Managing Large E-learning Development Initiatives

Lessons learnt from the Australian Flexible Learning Toolbox Project

Abstract

This paper reports on a research consultancy undertaken for the Flexible Learning Framework in reviewing management processes undertaken as part of Series 13 of Flexible Learning Toolboxes. Toolboxes are e-learning products that cover multiple Units of Competency in National Training Packages. In the 13^th iteration of the project a number of initiatives were implemented designed to support the development of 7 Toolboxes. The research explores the role of documentation and communication processes and their impact on the development experiences of key stakeholders such as the designers, developers and managers of the products. Findings identified a number of important factors with regard to the use of design documentation and project management processes that are important to successful development as well as some recommendations for future iterations.