I just finished creating a content map for one of my clients and thought I'd pass along the template I use. Might be helpful to those developers who are relatively new and don't have their own. Some of the suggestions as to how SMEs can write engaging content might even interest the e-learning heroes among us.
In the next post, I'll share a doc that I send SMEs before I have them create any scenarios. It's based on Tom Kuhlmann's three C model. Hope you enjoy. --Daniel Brigham
And here is the short doc I send SMEs before they write the scenarios I've requested in the content map. Based on Tom Kuhlmann's ideas. It's good for them to have a doc to refer to, I think. Hope some of you find it valuable. --Daniel
Heidi: The basic content template I've used for a few years now. Probably the most valuable part is the info on how SMEs can write engaging content. I think you should get to them before they put any words down, and some of them are really grateful for the advice. They are not writers after all, while I am.
The building scenarios information is tested as well--as I said, it's mostly Tom Kuhlmann's ideas. The three "Cs" is a nice mnemonic to boot. No doubt he know what he's doing. --Daniel
I'm feeling a little like i'm missing something here, because I can't even open the documents. When I d/l them, they come out as a zip document. And when I unzip them, there's a bunch of xml documents in the files. I tried like heck to see the whole picture, but can't get it to show me anything but the individual parts.
Not sure what's going on if you can't save the docs to your hard drive. If you PM me (private message) me with your email address I can send the docs along. You should see a friend request from me in your inbox at the top of this page. --Daniel
Thanks Daniel - I was able to find readable versions by going to your web page. (Nice page, by the way!)
I've recently been tasked with identifying / solidifying our agency's process for developing e-learning courses, and these documents, as well as information I found on your website, will be a great help!
Hi Joe, after you save the .ZIP document to a folder, rename the document with the .DOCX extension. Windows will try to scare you off with a message saying that changing the extension could cause the file to be unreadable, but go ahead and do it anyway!
And Daniel -- these are terrific! The instructions to the SMEs are very clear and concise. I like the way you challenge them to walk in the shoes of the learner (for a change)! I will certainly take these with me to my next assignment.
Is anyone able/willing to share an example of a content map filled out (at least some of it)? I'm a trainer and we've decided to move a lot of our training into online courses. I've never used content mapping before since my background is classroom-based.
3. Finally, if you have access to lynda.com, I created an Elearning Essentials: Storyboarding course, that covers a lot of similiar topics. Just drop me a line if you have any questions. --Daniel
I just discovered this and I think that the scenario creation option for SMEs will help considerably. I'm always trying to push the use of scenarios in my work so it's great that I can now 'coach' them into the styles used.
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And here is the short doc I send SMEs before they write the scenarios I've requested in the content map. Based on Tom Kuhlmann's ideas. It's good for them to have a doc to refer to, I think. Hope some of you find it valuable. --Daniel
Thanks for sharing, Daniel!
Natalia: you are welcome.
Heidi: The basic content template I've used for a few years now. Probably the most valuable part is the info on how SMEs can write engaging content. I think you should get to them before they put any words down, and some of them are really grateful for the advice. They are not writers after all, while I am.
The building scenarios information is tested as well--as I said, it's mostly Tom Kuhlmann's ideas. The three "Cs" is a nice mnemonic to boot. No doubt he know what he's doing. --Daniel
Daniel -
I'm feeling a little like i'm missing something here, because I can't even open the documents. When I d/l them, they come out as a zip document. And when I unzip them, there's a bunch of xml documents in the files. I tried like heck to see the whole picture, but can't get it to show me anything but the individual parts.
Can you tell me what step i'm missing?
Hi, Joe:
Not sure what's going on if you can't save the docs to your hard drive. If you PM me (private message) me with your email address I can send the docs along. You should see a friend request from me in your inbox at the top of this page. --Daniel
Thanks Daniel - I was able to find readable versions by going to your web page. (Nice page, by the way!)
I've recently been tasked with identifying / solidifying our agency's process for developing e-learning courses, and these documents, as well as information I found on your website, will be a great help!
Thanks again!
Hi Joe, after you save the .ZIP document to a folder, rename the document with the .DOCX extension. Windows will try to scare you off with a message saying that changing the extension could cause the file to be unreadable, but go ahead and do it anyway!
And Daniel -- these are terrific! The instructions to the SMEs are very clear and concise. I like the way you challenge them to walk in the shoes of the learner (for a change)! I will certainly take these with me to my next assignment.
Judith - That fixed it! Thanks!
Thank you Daniel! These are really helpful!
Is anyone able/willing to share an example of a content map filled out (at least some of it)? I'm a trainer and we've decided to move a lot of our training into online courses. I've never used content mapping before since my background is classroom-based.
Thanks in advance!
Hi, Shelly: Glad you found it useful. A few things:
1. A few pages from a sample content map is attached. I tend to think of a content map as just the text content and crucial images/diagrams.
2. You might be interested in this post on my blog: Helping SMEs Write Content
3. Finally, if you have access to lynda.com, I created an Elearning Essentials: Storyboarding course, that covers a lot of similiar topics. Just drop me a line if you have any questions. --Daniel
Thanks Daniel,
I just discovered this and I think that the scenario creation option for SMEs will help considerably. I'm always trying to push the use of scenarios in my work so it's great that I can now 'coach' them into the styles used.
Hi Daniel,
Thank you! This is fantastic and very helpful for me. This is why I love the e-learning heroes community!
Glad you all found it of some value. --Daniel
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