Elearn Single Source Nne Stc 09may

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© 2009 WordSmith, LLC

the end of single source?

David LockeWordSmith, LLC

e-learning

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e-learn: end of SS?

• how it evolved and costs• e-learning sources and paradigm• maybe, maybe not

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evolution of SS

Technical writers’ Crusades against the twin barbarians:

• “Just document the application.”

• “Gimme that help stuff on paper, too.”

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evolution of SS

1990:a paradigm for single sourcing:

John CarrollMinimalism: Beyond The Nurnberg Funnel

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User assistance:– task-oriented– least intrusive display

• embedded, CSH variant

– browse-able

evolution of SS

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1680 to 1980 1998 +1990

The evolution of help, 1680 to the present:

1992

“documenting the app” fake single source dies

user assistance/ true single source

Minimalism

evolution of SS

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• Online help: context-sensitive, user-task-centered information

• Paper/PDF: reference data• Paper: beginner’s bridge

information: use, learn, and toss

---and more to come.

evolution of SS

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small example:

PsychData.com

evolution of SS

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developers

customers

suits

other writers

marketing training

users

sales

evolution of SS

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• SS core issues:– chunking

• information typing• structured documentation

– tool demands: • data storage ,conditionals, outputs

evolution of SS

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evolution of SS

evaluation– not bad:

• tools, methods evolved• understand users, information better

– dirty little secret: • maintenance

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e-learn sources, paradigm

• Good e-learning needed a paradigm

• Slow in coming– (just as help sinks our of sight: e.g.,

Office 2007)

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• What engages memory?– Visual when possible, then text

(Medina: “Visual trumps all other senses.”)

– Combination of sensory datalots of research: richer is better

but: take care with sequence

– Spaced repetitionlet content suggest intervals

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Combination of– Michael Allen

Repurposing: “…turning a toad into a prince...”Chunk materials specifically for e-learn formats

– John MedinaBest sequence for attention, memory:

large statement, hook, details, paraphrase summary

– Richard MayerCombine text, visuals in ways that enhance

rather than override or obscure

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e-learning: tools

In order of complexity, sophistication of product:

– Captivate– Lectora– Adobe Visual Communicator

…and a lot more

– examples

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e-learning: organizations

e-Learning Guild • focused on learning: research & practice• small, local events (plus large national)

ASTD – American Society for Training and Development

• by contrast w/ STC: more commercial, more glitz and glam

• at far end: e-learn morphs into “employee development & career management,” folds into/ becomes extension of HR department

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e-learning vs single sourcing

Summary, implications - 1:

• good e-learning materials function best as partners with text-based information systemsor in blended (e-learn, classroom) combos

• single source systems continue to provide a rich, stable base

• e-learning: supplement, not supplant

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e-learning & single sourcing

Summary, implications - 2:

• e-learning: new opportunities for writers

• who better to understand from the user perspective, to distinguish task from concept

• will require learning: tools, some methods, jargon– (don’t be put off by “instructional designers” – that’s

what you’ve been doing all along)

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References:John Medina, Brain Rules (www.brainrules.net)

Michael Allen, Michael Allen’s Guide to e-Learning (John Wiley, 2003)

Richard Mayer and Ruth Colvin Clark, e-Learning and the Science of Instruction (John Wiley, 2008)


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Questions?

and thanks.


Elearn Single Source Nne Stc 09may

Technology

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