Michael Allen's Guide to e-Learning: Building Interactive, Fun, and Effective Learning Programs for Any Company

by Michael W. Allen, Tony Bingham (Foreword)

Explore effective learning programs with the father of e-learning

Michael Allen's Guide to e-Learning: Building Interactive, Fun, and Effective Learning Programs for Any Company, Second Edition presents best practices for building interactive, fun, and effective online learning programs. This engaging text offers insight regarding what makes great e-learning, particularly from the perspectives of motivation and interactivity, and features history lessons that assist you in avoiding common pitfalls and guide you in the direction of e-learning success. This updated edition also considers changes in technology and tools that facilitate the implementation of the strategies, guidelines, and techniques it presents.

E-learning has experienced a surge in popularity over the past ten years, with education professionals around the world leveraging technology to facilitate instruction. From hybrid courses that integrate technology into traditional classroom instruction to full online courses that are conducted solely on the internet, a range of e-learning models is available. The key to creating a successful e-learning program lies in understanding how to use the tools at your disposal to create an interactive, engaging, and effective learning experience.

Gain a new perspective on e-learning, and how technology can facilitate education Explore updated content, including coverage regarding learner interface, gamification, mobile learning, and individualization Discuss the experiences of others via targeted case studies, which cover good and not so good e-learning projects Understand key concepts through new examples that reinforce essential ideas and demonstrate their practical application

Michael Allen's Guide to e-Learning: Building Interactive, Fun, and Effective Learning Programs for Any Company, Second Edition is an essential resource if you are studying for the e-Learning Instructional Design Certificate Program.

Genres: Nonfiction, Teaching, Education

410 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2003

Reviews

[Dianne Volek · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a guide on how to build corporate e-learning programs, this is a very practical foundation.

As someone who specialises in marketing communications, I found it intuitive that it focuses on the audience - the learner. Begins with learners want and need, link that to mutual company goals, and then tailor your e-learning content accordingly. There are hands-on tips on how to analyze needs, develop learning objectives.

Designing content that's engaging and interactive these days is all about multimedia. He gives suggestions for audio, video, graphics, and animations and also how to use simulations and gaming. I personally find that in real life, the problem with these is less about knowing what's right, but finding platforms that allow a user-friendly experience.

This is a good read for anyone involved in designing or delivering e-learning programs. It's organized well, easy to read, and full of advice and examples you can actually use.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, not great and a bit dated. I read this at the request of a client.

The style is closer to that of a textbook and does provide solid examples of the concepts in practice.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great input for the basis of creating meaningful, memorable, and motivational learning experiences.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to elearning when I first read it. The style of writing is very easy to follow and there are numerous practical examples. Michael Allen's more recent material would be better due to the changes in the field.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in conjunction with the companion class offered by ATD. It's a good resource and I look forward to putting it into practice. It does read like a textbook, which is somewhat appropriate but I would think a book about learning might attempt to keep my attention a little better.

[Jay Sprout · Rating 5 out of 5]

The good books on eLearning and Instructional Design would leave extra fingers on a single hand. This book one of the good--nay, great--ones.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an instructional designer, I appreciate this as a reference and to get ideas. I know some of it may be out of date (due to technology), the basics are still good.