The Process of eLearning Part 2: The Analysis Phase

Welcome to Part 2 of our series “The Process of eLearning”!

The Analysis Phase is the foundation of the eLearning development process. It involves understanding the learning needs, defining clear objectives, and gathering all necessary information to design an effective course. This phase sets the stage for the entire project, ensuring that the final product meets the learners' and organization’s goals. During this phase, our team will conduct interviews, meetings, and info-gathering sessions with subject matter experts (SMEs) and stakeholders to identify all possible needs for the project.

Key Steps in the Analysis Phase

Needs Analysis

Needs analysis is the first step in the Analysis Phase. It helps identify the gap between the current knowledge, skills, or performance and the desired outcomes.

• Identify Training Needs: First, we will determine what the learners need to know or be able to do after the training. This involves consulting with stakeholders, SMEs, and reviewing existing materials and performance data (Articulate E-Learning Heroes Community) (Skillshub.com).

• Define Learning Objectives: Based on the training needs, we will establish clear and measurable learning objectives. These objectives will guide the design and development of the course (Skillshub.com) (SHIFT | Home).

Audience Analysis

Understanding your learners is crucial for designing relevant and engaging eLearning content.

• Demographics: We will gather information about the learners’ age, education level, job roles, and cultural background. This helps tailor the content to their needs and preferences (Skillshub.com) (Gerta).

• Prior Knowledge: It is important for us to assess the learners' existing knowledge and skills related to the course topic. This ensures the content is neither too basic nor too advanced (Articulate E-Learning Heroes Community) (Gerta).

• Learning Preferences: Identifying preferred learning styles and formats, such as videos, interactive simulations, or text-based materials helps us create a more engaging learning experience (Skillshub.com) (Gerta).

Content Analysis

Content analysis involves determining what information needs to be included in the course and how it should be structured.

• Gather Content: Arguably the most important step, we will collect all relevant content from SMEs, existing training materials, and other resources. Ensure the information is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with the learning objectives (SHIFT | Home) (Gerta).

• Organize Content: Our experienced instructional designers will structure the content logically and coherently. Break it down into manageable sections or modules that follow a clear progression from basic to advanced topics (Skillshub.com) (eLearning Learning).

Context Analysis

Understanding the context in which the learning will take place is also crucial.

• Technological Environment: We will assess the technological infrastructure available to the learners, such as internet access, devices, and software. This ensures the course is compatible and accessible (SHIFT | Home) (Gerta).

• Organizational Culture: Consider the organizational culture and how it might influence the learning experience. Align the course content and delivery method with the organization’s values and practices (Articulate E-Learning Heroes Community) (eLearning Learning).

Why the Analysis Phase Matters

The Analysis Phase is critical because it lays the groundwork for all subsequent phases of eLearning development. A thorough analysis ensures that the course content is relevant, engaging, and effective. It helps in creating a targeted learning experience that addresses the specific needs and preferences of the learners.

Allegro Media Design’s Approach

At Allegro Media Design, we emphasize the importance of the Analysis Phase. Our team conducts comprehensive needs, audience, and content analyses to ensure that every eLearning course we develop is tailored to meet the unique requirements of our clients and their learners. We collaborate closely with stakeholders and SMEs to gather accurate information and design learning objectives that drive measurable results.

Ready to Start Your eLearning Journey?

If you're ready to create impactful eLearning courses that meet your organization's training needs, contact Allegro Media Design today. Our expert team is here to guide you through every phase of the eLearning development process.

Check out the other blogs in this series:

• Part 1: The eLearning Process

• Part 3: The Design Phase

• Part 4: The Development Phase

• Part 5: The Implementation and Evaluation Phase