Development

Courseware is built during the Development phase, where the solution is created based on the specifications of the approved design architecture, and within the required timeframes identified at planning. The training product should be built in delivery media based on the learners’ profile, required testing instrumentation, hands-on images (real, virtual, or simulated), augmentative instructional aides, and pre-deployment technologies for blended media where appropriate. The training product and content should be audited, quality assured, and piloted (Alpha and Beta) for content validity (by SMEs), technical compliance (image, SCORM, AICC, etc.), learner utility, and publication-standards purposes. Beta pilots must simulate the delivery environment to minimize issues. Subsequent revision is typically required to meet stakeholder needs identified during analysis and therefore should be accounted for in project schedules. Curriculum owner involvement in testing, sign-off, and approval is required for each development milestone.

Based on statements of work and or a project charter, development formats include:

- Instructor-Led Training (ILT - classroom-based)
- Virtual Classroom (synchronous eLearning delivered via live Web connection)
- Self-Paced Training (asynchronous eLearning delivered as hosted or through CD or file on the local machine) (SPT, WBT, CBT, WILR, SPS)
- Mobile Learning (mLearning delivered to MP3/MP4 players, PDA, mobile phone, and smartphones like BlackBerry and iPhone)
- On-the-Job Training (OJT)
- Job Aides
- Collaborative and Social Learning 2.O tools (includes collaboration suites, coaching, mentoring discussion threads, learning Wikis, expert-produced blogs, and relevant RSS feeds)
- Learning Management System (LMS) supports
- Evaluation Systems (reaction/satisfaction, knowledge/skill transfer, application on the job, on the job performance improvement, return on the training investments)
- Blended media delivery combining any or all of the above as indicated by the learner and media specifications analyses and design documents

Risks if not conducted properly:

- A product that is not properly tested before final implementation to the customer and or their learners
- A product that is not fine-tuned to the needs of target learning groups
- Discovery of problems or technical difficulty with the product at implementation resulting in high issue counts as opposed to identification and resolution before delivery
- Project failure or extended development cycles resulting in missed milestones, deadlines, and cost-targets- A course that does not meet design specifications falls short of stakeholder expectations, and results in learner dissatisfaction