The Challenge
As trusted vendors of DCC since 2005, we were contracted in 2023 to develop a training package for Project and Program Managers to learn the organization-specific process of leading and managing Base-level projects contracted by National Defence Canada.
DCC’s process was based on the Project Management Institute (PMI) principles, however, there were detailed nuances and unique operational requirements that needed to be taught in support of these principles. DCC provided us with their Project Management Best Practices and Project Management Guidelines as the source materials to develop the eLearning training package.
The Process
DCC had already identified the need for this training package, so we began our process with a learner and gaps analysis. We identified the expected skills, level of knowledge, and previous experience of the learners to ensure we developed the training that targeted their zone of proximal development. The source materials were reviewed and a design plan was developed that included a training package overview, training learning objectives, a full breakdown of content topics into lessons (with detailed lesson learning objectives), and a plan for interactive elements, reflection activities, and assessment approach for each lesson.
As a development team, the preferred communication channel leading to a successful project were bi-weekly check-in meetings via MS Teams attended by the project manager, two SMEs, the instructional designer and the eLearning developer. Status updates of all in-development items, feedback was reviewed and discussed, ideas were brainstormed, challenges were workshopped to solutions, and timeline and budget were reviewed. Email was utilized between meetings to provide and receive just-in-time information ensuring the project maintained the expected momentum to maintain the timeline.
The Result
AligneDesigns delivered ‘PPM2,’ a 90-minute, five-lesson training package using Articulate360. The training was embedded into the client-partner’s Member365 LMS as a SCORM package. Learners were required to complete lessons in sequence, but were provided the opportunity to self-navigate through the teaching of the DCC-specific project management process.
The client-partner preferred a Level 3 interactivity level – this involved the use of AI video avatars for scenario-based exercises. Project management process flow charts were enlarged and broken down into micro-modules to properly explain each step of the process in greater detail.
To support the use of acronym and definition heavy content, a just-in-time approach was used to introduce key terms. The first time a term was used, learners were able to interact with that term in Storyline to review the definition. The training package was accessible on any computer, tablet, or smart device. Learners were able to take the training package in either French or English with full captions and narration.
This training is now available to all DCC employees and is a required training of all Project and Program Managers. The client-partner was extremely satisfied with the final product and re-engaged AligneDesigns to develop additional training packages in this series.
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