We’ve come a long way in e-learning, and along the way certain best practices have emerged.

Here are just a few - but I’d love to see a collection of best practice tips grow in the comments section go on for a mile or two . . .

-  It ought to be clear by now that everyone participating in your course is computer literate. The numbers are getting smaller each year, but some people remain steadfastly computer illiterate - and sometimes on purpose!

-  Keep cognizant of the technologies available to your end users. Low bandwidth mindsets in the development phase makes your e-learning easier for those  without high speed access. Teaching people in rural areas may mean they’re still on dial-up. In fact, in some places, dial up is the only service available!

-  Use graphics and special audio only if they add to the learning.  In other words, a spinning word (think bad PowerPoint) irritates more people than it impresses.  A lot more people.  A good rule to remember: If it doesn’t contribute to the student’s learning, don’t use it.

-  Please, please, please - make sure the navigation on your page is user-friendly. If a learner cannot figure out what to do next or where to “click” next, the learner quickly becomes irritated and prefers not to continue the learning. 

That’s just a few … I could list a bunch more, but what does your experience say?  Add your tips and best practices for developing e-learning in the comments section — let’s see how many we can list.