7 Must-Have Skills All eLearning Project Managers Should Possess
eLearning Project Management is critical to ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Every eLearning course design is unique. As a result, eLearning Project Managers need to have a solid skill set and a nuanced understanding of the field. They will be required to lead eLearning teams to develop exceptional eLearning content without going over budget. Thus, eLearning Project Managers must be able to tap into the talents of their collaborators and keep the lines of communication open. Here are 7 skills that every eLearning Project Manager must have in order to be successful.
1. Planning And Organization
An eLearning Project Manager needs to know how to create a solid eLearning project plan. This plan needs to account for every aspect of the eLearning project, from initial concept to final delivery. It is also important for the eLearning Project Manager to incorporate a revision process into the plan. This allows the client to request changes and still receive the eLearning course in a reasonable timeframe. Organization extends to task delegation, as well. Effective eLearning Project Managers must be able to assign the right tasks to the right team members based on their eLearning skills and experience.
2. Leadership
eLearning Project Managers need to know how to motivate and inspire their eLearning team so as to maximize their potential. Team dynamics are different for every eLearning project. Likewise, each member of the group will bring something different to the table. That’s why it is important to know who you are working with and what they’re good at. This allows you to assign tasks that are within their area of expertise, instead of pushing them beyond their boundaries. Not only will you get the best work out of your team members, they are also likely to be willing to work with you in future eLearning projects. This means that you won’t have to spend additional time and resources to replace key collaborators.
3. Content Curation
A lot of the eLearning industry focuses on top-notch eLearning content. Every eLearning course must contain accurate and up-to-date information. Irrelevant facts and stats will be ignored by online learners, not to mention diminish the value of their eLearning experience. An eLearning Project Manager needs to act as the quality control specialist. They are the gateway between the client and the eLearning content developers or curators. It is important for each eLearning Project Manager to pass along only the best eLearning content to their clients. If something doesn’t meet the standards, it should be revised or omitted altogether. Furthermore, eLearning Project Managers need to know which types of eLearning content online learners find relevant and engaging, and supply their eLearning team with the resources they require for the task.
4. Time Management
As is the case in any industry, meeting your deadlines is crucial for eLearning Project Managers. You need to ensure your eLearning team is able to deliver on its promise without missing deadlines. As such, you must break the eLearning project down into manageable tasks and set milestones. A successful eLearning Project Manager has detailed knowledge of what each assignment entails. This knowledge will help them give each team member ample time to deliver high-quality eLearning content. eLearning Project Managers should also understand the importance of flexibility. For example, they may allocate some extra time at the end of the eLearning project for revisions or troubleshooting. Some components of eLearning projects are simply more complicated and cause delays. These areas of concern should be accounted for early on to avoid missed deadlines.
5. Communication
It’s the eLearning Project Manager's job to keep communication flowing and ensure that every voice is heard. Otherwise, you may miss out on valuable ideas and opinions that can improve the overall eLearning course design. Effective eLearning Project Managers choose the best Project Management tools and social media platforms for the job. These online outlets give you the power to collaborate with team members from anywhere in the world, as well as provide immediate feedback and make necessary revisions. In addition, there should be clear communication guidelines in place so that everyone knows what to expect. For example, how often group members need to check in or how they can contact you in the event of an emergency.
6. Problem Solving
eLearning Project Managers are the team troubleshooters. They must resolve conflicts and use their lateral thinking skills to approach problems from different angles. They also have to handle client concerns and convey them to the eLearning team, without causing offense. As such, being an eLearning Project Manager requires a healthy dose of creativity and critical thinking to navigate the challenges of content creation. Not to mention, a high degree of interpersonal skills. eLearning Project Managers plan for every eventuality and don’t let problems stand between them and a high-quality eLearning deliverable.
7. Firm Grasp Of The eLearning Industry
eLearning is a fast-paced industry that is constantly developing. As new tools and techniques emerge, a good eLearning Project Manager will be aware of industry shifts. They will also be able to incorporate these new components into new eLearning projects. This means constantly reading information about the field and educating yourself on eLearning. The more you know, the more easily you will be able to tackle whatever challenging eLearning project comes your way.
It’s crucial for eLearning Project Managers to clearly understand their role in the process. Their engagement will set the example for their fellow eLearning team members. And their ability to identify and utilize resources helps to ensure a high quality finished eLearning deliverable. eLearning Project Managers need to put in a great deal of time and effort to lead their teams effectively. However, being able to produce powerful eLearning experiences and meet client expectations is well worth the effort.
Interested in improving your skills in eLearning Project Management? Download our free eBook Top Tips To eLearning Project Management And Planning to learn more about the characteristics of a successful eLearning team, how to start planning, determine goals, pick up the most suitable ID Model for your eLearning project, and how to create a realistic eLearning budget to match your expectations.