Managing authors

by Nicola Dann

You may have read on the Nelson Croom website (or in Katy's earlier blog post) that we are currently working on creating a programme of online courses for the ADI (Association of Dental Implantology UK). So far this is proving to be a highly enjoyable project for us, but it isn't without its challenges - not least because it encompasses working with thirteen different authors all around the UK! Now, I've known busy people before, but implant dentists who are at the top of their game are up there with the best. So here's challenge number one - actually getting hold of them. A couple of things I've learnt so far; give it a go on a Friday (many of them keep that day patient free to catch up on all the other things they have to do when running a practice) and become friendly with the practice manager.

Once I've managed to get their attention we come closer to the actual course production stage of the project; which is where we come up against challenge number two - creating and delivering a consistent learner experience while maintaining the individuality and character of the authors. The ADI specifically chose the best people in the industry to write these courses, so we cannot let that get lost in the process of putting their words online. There are a number of ways we will address this to ensure the personality of each author comes out in their course without counteracting the unity of the programme as a whole.

One way of doing this is to use design and branding as a method of creating visual identity and coherence through all thirteen courses. Being rigorous about sticking to style guidelines throughout the development will ensure the programme has this sense of unity. The time has been spent upfront creating the visual guides for the courses so we don't get caught out further down the line. In this way, we can allow the author's individual voice to come through without the risk of the learner finding the educational process confusing and disjointed.

Another way of setting consistency is in the use of the course structure and framework. All the courses will follow the same structure in terms of activity types, the placing of the elements of the screen and the terminology we will use to describe them. Once a learner has gone through one course they won't have to learn any new functionality when they go through another course in the programme, as it will function in the same way. This allows them to focus all their time and energy on the actual learning content, and in turn the learning experience is enhanced and more productive.

So, so far so good. Frameworks are in place and style guidelines created. I just have to keep going with chasing authors and the Friday phone calls!

Comments

[Teresa Duncan]

I'm very intrigued by your project - I'm so glad you're blogging about it. Looking forward to the final result!