Online Learning for Tough Times: Keys to Rapid Development

Link to article (By Ed Mayberry)
"Rapid Development "Must Haves":

• Access to centrally located project files
• A clear project plan, schedule, and due dates
• Team adheres to product version control protocol
• Access to subject matter experts (SMEs)
• Required project team members when needed
• Required development software/licenses
• Timely QA/product reviews and quality review feedback
• A reasonable do-able project schedule and objectives
• Solid content ready for development: minor/no changes

Risks to Rapid Development:

• The SME is very busy - SME interviews: Get it right the first time. You may not have time for follow up interviews.
• Unsure about what content exists - Perform an audit to identify what exists, what must be obtained from SMEs, and what must be developed.
• Unable to reach the SME - Talk to your key stakeholder. If you cannot access SMEs, it will affect your schedule, budget, and the final product.
• The content is supposed to be in great shape - Trust only what you see. Don?t rely on statements from others about the quality of the content.
• The content is weak or inaccurate - Don?t build on sand. Talk to your key stakeholder.
• Keep your antennae out and be aware of content that may be weak. You must identify this before you go into final production.
• Develop the prototype using the rough draft content - Content not ready for production will lead to rework.
• The clients need you to change one thing - Each change order affects your schedule. Carefully identify how changes will impact scope before you agree to make them. "

Very good article by Ed Mayberry. These tips will surely help instructional designers (IDs) who have problems with getting hold of the SME or the content itself. Having been an instructional designer myself (in the past), I surelly understand the problems often felt by IDs. However, it is not easy being an SME either, especially in an educational institution, where he or she must juggle between several courses, and of course content development. Perhaps if the SME uses Macromedia Breeze things will get smoother .