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

by Michael W. Allen

Shows hows how to build interactive, fun, and effective online learning programs for any objective or setting. The "father of e-learning" offers his insight on what makes good elearning, particularly from the viewpoints of motivation and interactivity. Features many little history lessons on eLearning and an overhauled overview of technology. Includes many examples of good (and not so good) e-learning projects as well as tools and tips to help implement the strategies, guidelines, and techniques in the book. Major updates include new coverage of: Informal/social learning vs. formal/individualized learning vs. traditionalLearner interfaceGamificationMobile learningThe Serious e-Learning ManifestoSAMUsing individualization for on-going evaluationEvolving tools to assist design and developmentAll new examples to illustrate conceptsReferences updated with newer studies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Teaching, Education, Professional Development

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2003

Reviews

[Dianne Volek]

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]

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]

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

[Laura]

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]

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]

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]

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.