We're putting these questions to you - our panel of experts. We'll publish a summary of the responses in the March CCASTD UPDATE:

Q1. Lots of people want to know, how does someone get started with online or e-learning? Experts in the field -- what do you suggest for someone just starting out?

Q2. What authoring tools do you use to develop content for WBT, online, and/or e-learning?

Post your response today and we'll publish it in the next CCASTD newsletter!

It's Liz the editor just running a test.

I'm all about getting the conversation started, so I'm jumping in with my own experiences!

eLearning means a lot of different things to different people, so these are, in a way, loaded questions!

For example, what's become traditional eLearning -- over the past 10 years or so -- are systems that incorporate a blend of learning technologies.

These technologies typically include libraries of reference material (e.g. online docs - Word docs, PDFs); self paced, Web-based training (delivering application simulations or soft skills content); online discussion areas (so facilitators can communicate with students and students can communicate with other students); chat rooms and/or Webinars (for synchronous learning); and online assessments (using JavaScript, or ColdFusion, or third party solutions -- like Questionmark's Perception).

These systems are also frequently backed by a Learning Management System (LMS) that handles things like student registration, assessment score tracking, etc.

On the other hand, the new face of eLearning addresses the differences in generational learning styles (click here to read an interview with Marcus Buckingham on "Engaging Generation Y") and harnesses the power of new technologies, such as the tools presented with Web 2.0.

What does that mean? It means eLearning is now transitioning into the use of Web 2.0 tools like blogging (for journaling / individual voices); podcasts (distribution of audio - and video!); wikis (for collaboration and building expert communities); instant messages (seriously - just try having a conversation with anyone under the age of 30 without text messaging them first!); content searches that mimic the spartan look & feel of Google; and more.

Overwhelming? Yes.

Exciting? You bet!

We're in the midst and on the verge of some pretty cool stuff.

So, how to start?

Macromedia/Adobe (whether you use their tools or not) has some excellent white papers on the business case (by industry!) for eLearning. There are also tool-specific whitepages (e.g. Flash, Dreamweaver, etc) and a whitepaper on eLearning standards -- for those struggling to understand ADL, AICC, etc. Click here to access the whitepapers.

Marc Rosenberg has a great presentation on how eLearning is changing titled, ““Beyond E-Learning: New Approaches to Managing and Delivering Organizational Knowledge." (Click on the title to access a PDF of the presentation)

Allison Rossett -- I'm a long time fan! -- Allison is the Professor of Educational Technology at San Diego State University and a long-time consultant in training and technology-based performance. Wanna know what 'stuff and stir' have to do with knowledge management and what knowledge management has to do with learning? Read an interview with Allison here!

Vendor relations. Ugh. Where to start, right? How to evaluate their services and products?

Read Kirk Fleming's (from CapitalOne) article on "How to Get What You Really Want from eLearning Vendors."

Also check out the links listed on the left of the page -- lots of good eLearning resources!

As for tools, my hands on experience in developing eLearning is primarily in Information Technology -- developing application simulation systems that people can use to learn new software packages.

As for soft skills, in a past life I was the production manager for a multimedia company that developed all sorts of technology-based learning systems -- primarily using the Macromedia products (Director, Authorware, Flash, Dreamweaver, etc).

It comes down to this -- eLearning MUST be driven by and in support of the BUSINESS.

And -- there is no one tool for every task. Online learning and eLearning often require experience with different tools to accomplish different things.

Here are some of my favourites:

Camtasia - by TechSmith - great for recording your desktop or recording people
http://www.techsmith.com

SnagIt - by TechSmith - the KING of screen capture!
http://www.techsmith.com

Captivate - by Adobe (formerly by Macromedia and, before that, used to be RoboDemo) - used to create software simulations
http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate/

What's the difference between Camtasia and Captivate? Learning curve, control, and style. I like Camtasia for quick hits and pieces that require voiceovers. I like Captivate for step-by-step application training and building in hands on practice simulations. That's me, personally.

RWD InfoPak - I use it primarily to create SAP training -- work instructions and simulations
http://www.rwd.com/products/rwdinfopak/

Open Source tools -- FREE!

eXe - Web-based authoring tool (unbelievable -- it's free!)
http://exelearning.org/

Moodle - Web-based Learning Management System (LMS) - free!
http://moodle.org/

I'm not sure that I would use Moodle or eXe (at this stage) to power a huge initiative (thousands of users) but they're great for playing around and creating smaller sites.

I've created a site entirely built on Moodle: http://www.cplpcourses.com

I've also played around with authoring in eXe and plugging the resulting content into Moodle. It's a great way to learn about SCORM!

It's a long response, but I hope worth your time to scan through!

It comes down to this -- eLearning is just that -- electronic learning. The tools you use should enhance -- not distract or cripple -- the learning experience!

Click Reply and share your thoughts below!