How long does eLearning take?

Reproduction of the Thinker by Auguste Rodin

Wondering how long it takes to complete a custom eLearning project?

Of course the answer is, it depends. A typical eLearning project for us is something like 10 to 12 weeks. Obviously, a lot of factors go into this. It can be less. It can be more.

But, I'm always surprised when someone says they think an eLearning course should just take a couple of weeks because that leaves a lot of steps out.

For example, is the eLearning or training content ready? 

The answer is often no. 

So, we'll need to either wait for it or help figure it out.

Even if it's considered ready, eLearning or training content often comes in as a static PowerPoint or basic script.

Is something simple sufficient to meet the learning objective(s)?

Or is this an initiative where we should add consultative instructional design, maybe write scenarios, include applicable interactive elements, add a thoughtful quiz? 

They typically want it to be engaging and meaningful. Understandably so; you want to get your points across to your audience, so they actually learn what you are trying to teach them and go out into the world better qualified to do what you need them to do.

We recommend a storyboard before development. 

That adds additional review cycles.

And it better prepares you for the process. Having your reviewers align on the finalized storyboard saves time in the development stage.

Just like constructing a building; it's a lot easier and cheaper to work out the concepts with a pencil in the beginning than to jump ahead to building with bricks and mortar you'll just have to tear down and rebuild later if something changes in the plan.

Are you the only reviewer?

Very few people are the only reviewer. 

Are the other reviewers available and quick to respond?

Well, ... (Often get a facial grimace here.)

Notice that we haven't even gotten into the development cycles yet. 

There's some data behind that 10 to 12 weeks.

Talk to us.

Let us help you determine where you are in the spectrum of preparation for custom eLearning or training design. It's best for us to evaluate your starting point so we can design the path to your successful end game.