There are so many templates and examples for starting elearning projects. The e-Learning Heroes Downloads has needs analysis, project management, quality control, charters, etc.
I'm curious what tips/templates/thoughts anyone might have to share about the "during the development" phase of a project. How do you keep track of all these documents? How do you manage and keep track of the tasks you have to complete? Your SMEs? What about your reviewers?
I use different tools with different clients, depending on what they're used to. Usually it's Google Drive or Dropbox for sharing files, sometimes Basecamp. I have used Basecamp's to do lists, which are OK, but I find it hard to keep track of a whole project that way. Basecamp does email people their tasks and deadlines though, which can be helpful for SMEs and reviewers.
I'm fairly old school and often just use spreadsheets to manage tasks and deadlines. I'm generally working with small enough teams and projects that spreadsheets are a viable option.
For my personal to do list, I use Remember The Milk.
Bigger organizations usually use actual project management software, which is a better plan if the projects are too complex for spreadsheets. Trello is one tool I hear of from a lot of people. Other people have mentioned EasyProjects and Maven for PM tools.
I'm interested to hear what other people are using too.
Hmm. Let's see. For file management, I maintain meticulous (very type-a, unlike the rest of my life) file structures for all of my assets with a file naming convention. I then back everything up on Dropbox, Time Capsule, and an External Hard Drive (because I'm paranoid). I'll use Google Drives in a pinch, but it's not my preference.
I keep track of tasks the old fashioned way - by writing them down and then crossing them off. I've used PM software (Redbooth, Basecamp, Asana, Trello), but I prefer this method.
Like Ashley, I keep the same folder/file structure for each project, version files up early and often, and back everythingup 3 different ways (including off-site) every time I so much as take a break.
For project tasks I've used assorted project management tools - including Trello - over time, but I'm happy to say that I'm back to using paper and pen to track tasks. :)
We are a new team so keeping it pretty simple. Task cards taped to a whiteboard. We may move to a digital version in the not too distant future but this is a good starting point. Set naming convention for file, with a project folder on our shared network that everything is moved into. Old versions are archived into a separate folder within the project folder.
I've really grown to love using Smartsheet to manage timelines, documents and discussions. It's an easy to use interface with multiple views that give great visibility to the project overall. And it's so easy to upload any type of document to keep it all in one place.
I plan tasks in outlook and plan them in my calendar immediately. I also use Outlook categories to manage all email and tasks. For the rest I'm digging Google docs for collaboration. Although I'm also loving the simplicity of Paper by Dropbox.
In one of my previous companies, we used to use a mixture of Confluence/JIRA and Assembla for bug tracking in an agile environment. I'm sure that would also apply to eLearning development.
We use Asana for project planning and task assignment. I expect it is somewhat like Basecamp... I love it myself, except when the internet goes down and I don't have access to my resources!
In 2009 I did a Prince2 project management course. It's good to take a step back and get some type of qualification. L&D/Training is usually lots of small projects. If you can get a project management system that works for yourself, you will probably find the projects easier. You also apply the concepts to other parts of your life.
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Interesting. If you happend to be a Trello user like myself, there are some great ideas for inspiration here:
https://trello.com/inspiration/project-management
I use different tools with different clients, depending on what they're used to. Usually it's Google Drive or Dropbox for sharing files, sometimes Basecamp. I have used Basecamp's to do lists, which are OK, but I find it hard to keep track of a whole project that way. Basecamp does email people their tasks and deadlines though, which can be helpful for SMEs and reviewers.
I'm fairly old school and often just use spreadsheets to manage tasks and deadlines. I'm generally working with small enough teams and projects that spreadsheets are a viable option.
For my personal to do list, I use Remember The Milk.
Bigger organizations usually use actual project management software, which is a better plan if the projects are too complex for spreadsheets. Trello is one tool I hear of from a lot of people. Other people have mentioned EasyProjects and Maven for PM tools.
I'm interested to hear what other people are using too.
Hmm. Let's see. For file management, I maintain meticulous (very type-a, unlike the rest of my life) file structures for all of my assets with a file naming convention. I then back everything up on Dropbox, Time Capsule, and an External Hard Drive (because I'm paranoid). I'll use Google Drives in a pinch, but it's not my preference.
I keep track of tasks the old fashioned way - by writing them down and then crossing them off. I've used PM software (Redbooth, Basecamp, Asana, Trello), but I prefer this method.
SME notes go into Evernote.
Reviews are conducted in shared Excel doc.
Like Ashley, I keep the same folder/file structure for each project, version files up early and often, and back everythingup 3 different ways (including off-site) every time I so much as take a break.
For project tasks I've used assorted project management tools - including Trello - over time, but I'm happy to say that I'm back to using paper and pen to track tasks. :)
We are a new team so keeping it pretty simple. Task cards taped to a whiteboard. We may move to a digital version in the not too distant future but this is a good starting point. Set naming convention for file, with a project folder on our shared network that everything is moved into. Old versions are archived into a separate folder within the project folder.
I use OmniFocus 2 to keep "getting things done". And Evernote to keep all my notes together where I can access them on all my devices.
I've really grown to love using Smartsheet to manage timelines, documents and discussions. It's an easy to use interface with multiple views that give great visibility to the project overall. And it's so easy to upload any type of document to keep it all in one place.
Basecamp and team AGnt are great tools, I keep everything in my head and when I get more than 10 tasks I write them down :-)
dapulse is simple but powerful
I plan tasks in outlook and plan them in my calendar immediately. I also use Outlook categories to manage all email and tasks. For the rest I'm digging Google docs for collaboration. Although I'm also loving the simplicity of Paper by Dropbox.
I tend to use regular calls and emails with appropriate Labels. Google docs for collaboration.
Google sheets for gantt charts and dropbox for collaboration
I would agree with Jason, really love what Smartsheet offers and if you can use excel, you can use Smartsheet.
In one of my previous companies, we used to use a mixture of Confluence/JIRA and Assembla for bug tracking in an agile environment. I'm sure that would also apply to eLearning development.
We use Asana for project planning and task assignment. I expect it is somewhat like Basecamp... I love it myself, except when the internet goes down and I don't have access to my resources!
Hi Tracy,
In 2009 I did a Prince2 project management course. It's good to take a step back and get some type of qualification. L&D/Training is usually lots of small projects. If you can get a project management system that works for yourself, you will probably find the projects easier. You also apply the concepts to other parts of your life.
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