Acquiring Freelance E-Learning Development Assistance

Hi Matt, 

Some thoughts - which may or may not be agreed with by others:

1. Are developer rates usually per work hour, or per course hour?

Or by project, or by % of value of benefit, or any other way that you decide :)  This is one that differs between developers. I work on a "per hour" rate if there is only one course to build, or it is the first course. I then use this as a baseline if there are several more courses to build. 

2. What are average developer rates?
    I'm looking for someone with ID experience, English as first language due to 
    complex vocabulary requirements, graphic design skill or skillful use of   
    graphic resources, a strong portfolio - preferably with some medical or 
    science experience. 

How long is a piece of string? (The answer by the way is twice as long as from one end to t he middle...). No such thing again I'm afraid. Ask to see the Portfolio, (remembering that many, like mine tend to be under NDA, so you may only see a few examples of "potential"). Some developers will work as part of a community, for example, I will quote and front-up a project, but I may draw on the experience of others if there is a particular thing that I know other people can do better then I, (such as detailed Quizzes). Also mention where you would prefer people to be based. I'm based in the UK, but mostly work with US companies, so work US hours quite happily. Many people will not.

3. How do developers prefer to receive content to be put into a course? 
    Personally I usually write my courses out as an outline in Word then go back 
     start putting it into the software I'm using. Is that ideal? 

Again - it depends. If someone sends me 100 slides, I tend to use them as background information. If they have spent 20 years perfecting their slides, they may want every comma, nuance and image replicated. It's part of the discussion that you should have with your developer/potential developers.

Many people "storyboard". For speed, (which keeps your costs down), I prefer to build directly into Storyline 360, in "rapid prototyping" mode. That way, you get to see something immediately, keep what you lie, delete what you hate, haggle over the rest.

4. It seems people just post freelance requests openly in this discussion forum - 
    is that the best way to get attention to your post? Is a particular subgroup under "Post In" best?

Many people just do it that way, and see the (flood) of replies come in. It's probably as good a way as any to do it, so long as you ensure you put EVERY requirement in your post. Whatever you do, be prepared to receive replies from people who do not have 100% of what you want.

Alternatively, you can just send me a Private Message, and I'd be glad to help :)

Hope that helps.

Yours cheekily.

Bruce

Hi Matt,

I think Bruce answered all of your specific questions, but this recent post by the Articulate Community on How To Find A Freelance ID or E-Learning Developer could also be of use to you.

Good luck!