GeneEd Online Training: Process

GeneEd's Courseware Development Process subsumes phases built upon work done in the preceding phase. The goal of the process is to develop and deliver the highest quality courseware within the budget and time frame to the customer. The process has been validated in order to create successful courseware products for leading life science companies, as well as our catalog courseware. Figure 1 illustrates the GeneEd Courseware Development Process, including associated deliverables and milestones.

Figure 1. GeneEd's Product Development Process Includes Client Interaction and Feedback to Ensure Optimal Customization

In addition to project management, GeneEd is committed to ensuring that the highest quality, validated scientific and medical content is used in the development of the courseware. GeneEd works closely with one or more points of contact at the customer site, as well as with third-party medical writers and content providers. GeneEd validates all of the content for accuracy, relevance, and ease of understanding. If appropriate, GeneEd utilizes its Scientific and Educational Advisory Board (SEAB) and Scientific Content Providers (SCPs) to assist with content creation, validation, and accuracy.

Once content for a course is acquired, developed, and processed, a series of workbook modules are assembled. This assembly comprises 2 main steps:

1. Planning
    a. Collecting and reading materials
    b. Selecting topics, text and graphics
    c. Noting sources and locations
    d. Defining context and objectives
2. Creating
    a. Creating outline
    b. Writing transcript
    c. Dividing into "info chunks"
    d. Describing animations and interactivity

Workbooks are products in their own right and can be used to create e-learning. The workbook is employed to create a storyboard; in turn, the storyboard is then used to identify or create GeneEd learning objects. GeneEd utilizes the program FLASH to convert static content into captivating animations. The completed animations are presented via GeneEd's "Viewing Engine™" (patent pending).

Figure 2. GeneEd's Content Development Process

Custom and catalog learning solutions are delivered in a four-step process:

1. Knowledge Processing: Once content is gathered from validated domain experts and processed by GeneEd in-house scientists, useable knowledge is extracted and structured into lesson objectives.
2. Knowledge Compression: The course outline serves as a basis to determine if any applicable learning objects exist in our repository, if new learning objects will need to be developed, or if a combination can be employed. Flowcharts and storyboards are then used to construct effective graphics and animations.
3. Learning Object Assembly: The graphical user interface (GUI) and the interactivity guide for the course are then identified to ensure that the course has the right "look and feel." Using our validated methodology, GeneEd has developed GUI templates that meet the tenets of good instructional design. Creating appropriate quizzes and assessments and establishing prerequisites and retention goals are also part of this step.
4. Learning Solution Delivery: The final step is the delivery, distribution, and management of e-learning on Corporate Intranets or via the Internet. When delivery is over Corporate Intranets or the Internet, individual and group progress can be monitored through the learning management system (LMS) after students have been enrolled.