Michael Allen's Guide to E-Learning: Building Interactive, Fun, and Effective Learning Programs for Any Company

by Michael W. Allen

An industry leader speaks out against boring, ineffective, costly e-learning and provides practical guidelines for creation of powerful, e-learning-based performance solutions.
e-Learning is emerging rapidly in schools, businesses, and at home. Millions are being invested in this new, widely available technology purported as the solution to learning challenges. Dr. Michael Allen, commonly considered the father of modern interactive learning, raises concerns about misuses of the technology, missed opportunities, and money wasted on boring, ineffective e-learning. The book offers specific, pragmatic, common-sense approaches to guide the development of successful technology-assisted learning. A free CD-ROM is packed with sample applications. Michael Allen's Guide to e-Learning enables business executives to become discerning e-learning investors and instructional designers to create meaningful performance solutions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Teaching, Education

356 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2003

Reviews

[Dianne Volek · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a guide on how to build corporate e-learning programs, this is a very practical foundation.

As someone who specialises in marketing communications, I found it intuitive that it focuses on the audience - the learner. Begins with learners want and need, link that to mutual company goals, and then tailor your e-learning content accordingly. There are hands-on tips on how to analyze needs, develop learning objectives.

Designing content that's engaging and interactive these days is all about multimedia. He gives suggestions for audio, video, graphics, and animations and also how to use simulations and gaming. I personally find that in real life, the problem with these is less about knowing what's right, but finding platforms that allow a user-friendly experience.

This is a good read for anyone involved in designing or delivering e-learning programs. It's organized well, easy to read, and full of advice and examples you can actually use.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, not great and a bit dated. I read this at the request of a client.

The style is closer to that of a textbook and does provide solid examples of the concepts in practice.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great input for the basis of creating meaningful, memorable, and motivational learning experiences.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to elearning when I first read it. The style of writing is very easy to follow and there are numerous practical examples. Michael Allen's more recent material would be better due to the changes in the field.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in conjunction with the companion class offered by ATD. It's a good resource and I look forward to putting it into practice. It does read like a textbook, which is somewhat appropriate but I would think a book about learning might attempt to keep my attention a little better.

[Jay Sprout · Rating 5 out of 5]

The good books on eLearning and Instructional Design would leave extra fingers on a single hand. This book one of the good--nay, great--ones.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an instructional designer, I appreciate this as a reference and to get ideas. I know some of it may be out of date (due to technology), the basics are still good.