To maximize courseware development efficiencies, the project team integrated a suite of XML-ready commercial-off-the-shelf tools to streamline development resulting in a significant return on investment (ROI). This integrated toolset or "platform" supports a content development process that is nearly seamless from storyboard to final courseware. This proven approach can be replicated by other organizations to achieve a similar ROI.

Expressed in more technical terms, during run-time, a Flash-based e-learning engine combines XML-based content, "harvested" from MS Word storyboards, with a library of reusable interaction templates. Additionally, the e-learning engine provides support for configurable functionality such as navigation, assessments, and SCORM. Overarching development goals and methods associated with the platform include the following:

Promote quality learning while maximizing instructional design investment through a well-designed, reusable interaction template library.

Minimize manual manipulation of content and the opportunity for error focusing on single-sourcing.

Maximize interaction template reuse by decoupling presentation elements from content.

Facilitate XML editing with user-friendly forms.

Maximize software programming investments by centralizing code and utilizing an object-oriented approach within an e-learning engine.

Facilitate change management and reduce life-cycle maintenance costs by externalizing media assets in their native form.

Each development goal is supported with examples. Current platform components and workflow processes are described, and the significant ROI is summarized. The authors discuss lessons learned, alternative technologies, and feature enhancements —all potentially useful for the future. Concepts are illustrated by a federal effort to develop a Web-based training component for pharmacy technician training to be shared by the US Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and Veterans Health Administration. The e-learning platform is being used for this large design and development effort (approximately 40 courses). Current data associated with this program point to an approximately 33% efficiency factor, as well as other areas of ROI.

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David Castillo