When I started in this field all my training solutions were custom. Development teams were big sometimes consisting of: Graphic designer, 3D Animator, Screen Recorder, Video Capture, Video Editor, Audio Capture, Audio Editor, Technical Writer, Script Writer, Storyboarder, Graphical User Interface Developer, Project Manager, Programmers, Webmaster, LMS Admin.
When teams were of this size, we were able to build functions and features on the fly without restrictions. The only real limitation was our drive to deliver the best solution. Today, development is more about how to manipulate an existing box and edit prepackaged products, rather than how to create a unique, out of box solution, that is, develop unique products. The reason for this shift is the demand to save money and push out more products faster.
So, today's eLearning developers need to figure out how to use a prepackaged tool to create unique products. Here are my tips for successful custom eLearning content development:
1. Learn The Limitations Of Your LMS And Development Tools
Knowing where the limitations of both your Learning Management System and your development tools lie, is of vital importance.
2. Learn How To Use JavaScript
This is a way to expand your content beyond the limitations and restrictions of your LMS and development tools.
3. Learn A Programming Language
Learning a programming language, such as Perl, PHP, ASP or other, will permit you to store variables.
4. Publish To HTML5
If you are using Articulate Storyline 2, publish to HTML5 to avoid issues with the mobile player.
5. Start To Migrate
You should start migrating from traditional Adobe Flash Development towards HTML5.
6. SCORM Complaint Does Not Mean SCORM Reliant
Some of my best and most popular products use my own custom tracking systems.
7. Adapt To Change
You should be able to adapt to change and not limiting yourself to one tool or one way for developing learning solutions. When something does not work, figure out a way that it could work and make an adaptor to solve your training issue. Love your family! Enjoy what you do!