E-LearningTools and Capabilities
Usability Design
One of the main ingredients of creating an e-learning system or web site that works is it’s “usability” – how easy it is for the intended audience to accomplish the intended purpose. When we design for optimum usability, we look at things like:
- Who are the users, what do they know, and what can they learn?
- What do users want or need to do?
- What is the general background of the users?
- What is the context in which the user is working?
- What has to be left to the computer system? What to the user?
- Can users easily accomplish their intended tasks?
- How much training do users need?
- Are there provisions for meeting the special needs of users with disabilities? (accessibility)
If an e-learning system is difficult to use, energy that should be reserved for learning is expended on simply navigating the system. This is unacceptable. At Rivertown Communications, designing “user friendly” applications and web sites are a priority.
Instructional Design
Instructional Design is a scientifically derived process intended to optimize learning gains in knowledge and performance from precisely engineered (and designed) instruction. At Rivertown Communications our design of instructional materials follows an ADDIE Model. This acronym stands for the 5 phases contained in the model:
- Analyze - analyze learner characteristics, task to be learned, etc.
- Design - develop learning objectives, choose an instructional approach
- Develop - create instructional or training materials
- Implement - deliver or distribute the instructional materials
- Evaluate - make sure the materials achieved the desired goals
Graphics Design
Our graphics designers are experienced at creating clean, professional computer interface designs that are both attractive and intuitive for the user. We can blend your organization’s branding into your e-learning or web site interface.
Programming
Whether programming for e-learning applications, or creating interactivity for web sites we always strive to make our code easy to update and maintain so that changes later can be made as easily as possible. Also, when possible we try to leverage reusable code, templates, and components to aid in fast yet reliable development.
Test Design
Most learning applications benefit from including a testing component. At Rivertown we use three main types of tests:
- A Pre-Test - to assess knowledge before a learner begins a training session. This is useful because it can identify areas the learner is already proficient in, indicating a lowered need for training, or areas they are lacking in, indicating a need for additional emphasis. Based on the results of a pre-test, the learner can be sent down the most effective learning path for them.
- Check for Comprehension – We often include short test items within the learning modules. These test items will check for understanding on material recently presented, are judged and feedback is given, but the results are not recorded. The learner can use information gained in these checks to gauge how well they are grasping the content. Low scores here indicate a need to review content.
- Post-Test or Mastery Test - This is the test given at the conclusion of the material presented, is scored and the results are recorded. The score of this test may indicate good comprehension or a need to repeat a portion of the training.
Documentation
Since we view our clients as partners in the development process, we typically share our code with our customers should they want to make their own updates later on. To help our customers do this we document our code, both within the code, and in hard copy documentation.
Flash
Flash has quickly become one of the most widely used development tools for delivering Internet based applications. Flash has the advantage of allowing us to create relatively small files, which perform well over the Internet, as well as develop rich media applications, which can be delivered via CD-ROM.
Cold Fusion
ColdFusion is a powerful platform for creating dynamic database-driven websites, allowing us to separate content from code, which allows our customers to easily update content. ColdFusion can also provide the tools we need to develop learning management systems, content management systems, reports, and dynamic charts and graphs.
JavaScript, PHP, PERL, ASP These are just a few of the scripting languages we use to extend functionality of websites. Scripting languages allow us to create interactivity or complex displaying of media, which normally wouldn’t be possible with static websites.
ASP.NET We have used this technology in partnership with the State of Minnesota to create a tool we call the Guardianship Fuzzy Expert System. This tool helps county social workers determine with greater degree of consistency whether or not their clients are candidates for the state to assume legal guardianship in order to give them the services and resources they need.
About Rivertown Key Team Members
