10 Takeaways from the ElNet elearning Project Management Adventures Congress

Here are my top"”almost random"”takeaways and summaries from the eLearning Project Management Adventures Workplace Learning Congress. 

1. The elearning community must take more responsibility in communicating how quality e:earning looks and on how successful elearning projects can be run. 
2. The relationship between client and vendor is often like a marriage, while a tender or a request for a quote is not always the best way to start this type of relationship.
3. The questions we ask at the beginning and during projects are of crucial importance.
4. There is already an e in learning.
5. E-learning and other learning strategy plans need to be closely aligned to relevant business requirements and associated strategies. The terms of planning documents should be those of living documents.
6. Debora Gallo offers a great example of a real life e-learning strategy at http://ebites.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/what-does-a-real-life-e-learning-strategy-look-like/ 
7. Learning is not a linear process. Project management is often seen simply as a way to define an outcome and map the process to get there. This linear way of work sometimes gets in the way of other outcomes that learning projects can have.
8. Learning while also working is difficult.
9. In social learning programmes, the role of the community manager is key. Programme activities should include, connecting people, collecting and sharing content, creating and sharing content that the community cares about.
10. My favourite idea is the online Jam events. Check out this web site: https://www.collaborationjam.com. It could be great for Sprout Labs to host a online Jam events with our clients and partners.

My presentation from the day can be seen at http://www.sproutlabs.com.au/risk-management-agile-approaches-to-elearning-projects/. Soon, I'll write about the risks and controls that the groups came up with, and there will be a video online in the near future also.