4 Must-Ask Questions At The Start Of Any eLearning Project

4 Must-Ask Questions At The Start Of Any eLearning Project
Summary: Great digital learning comes from more than the tools you use to create it. It’s all too easy to fall at the first hurdle and forget to lay the groundwork for success. There are some key questions to ask right at the start of a new project to make sure you hit the mark.

The Top Questions At The Start Of Any eLearning Project

The 5C Framework, a new approach to delivering more successful digital learning, starts with the “Capture” stage for a reason. The most successful digital learning authors are those who invest time in understanding their audience and mapping out their goals as the first port of call. This helps them expose the key information they need to create a successful digital learning experience. They also take the time to reflect and refine throughout the project, to ensure the learning content will meet their audience’s needs and deliver the desired change.

1. What Are The Goals Of The Project?

Consider the purpose of your project and what success looks like. Make sure you and the rest of the team are crystal clear on this – it will save you time and headaches later on.

 2. Who Is The Audience And What Do We Want Them To Do?

Think about what your learners’ goals and challenges are, and exactly why they need this learning. Make sure you know what behavior changes you want your learners to make.

3. What Does The Digital Learning Need To Do To Help Them With This Change?

Take the time to work out the process that learners might need to go through, and how you can help get them there.

4. What Resources Do You Have At Your Disposal To Make Your Project A Success?

Think about whether there are existing resources you can repurpose, and who might have relevant expertise and insight that could help your learning project. These might be subject experts, writers, designers, etc.

Download This Free Template to Capture Your Audience’s Needs

Asking these crucial questions will help you deliver a learning experience that engages learners and delivers ROI. This “Capture” stage is the first and most critical stage of the 5C Framework.

Top Tips When Capturing eLearning Project Needs

  • Carve out the time! You’ll save this time later on and reach your goals faster.
  • Bring your colleagues into the conversation about your project goals and audience needs; more insights will help you gain a fuller picture.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask your learners what their needs are. You could create a survey to send out and get their feedback.

Once you have captured your audience needs at the start of your project plan, you’ll need to Conceptualize (the second of the 5Cs) and test out your ideas before you start creating your learning content. Make sure you're clued up about the 5C Framework.

Speed up your eLearning project planning process: Download the Capture Needs template.