Monday, October 24, 2005

Is Dreamweaver needed in eLearning Development?

A colleague of mine has been asking this question?  Actually I think he’s been way ahead of the curve on this one.  I like it because I’m used to it and like the WYSIWYG feel when I create my ‘pages’.  But in the world of Web2.0 and Learning2.0 do we create “pages” of content anymore?  

You have undoubtedly heard the rantings of learning experts talking about “nano-content” and “micro-content” in Learning and Knowledge Management.  (Which, btw, the content we create is one in the same for Learning and KM.)  Advanced LMS and LCMS systems will soon have the power to collect nanocontent and create a “course”on the fly for specific users.  LMS authoring tools will significantly automate the process of ISDers manually collecting the micro-content to create the course and evaluations at the click of a button.  Do we need to understand <html>, <head>, <head>, <body>, <body>, <html> any more?

 

Captivate has become a powerful tool for creating Flash content, app sims, quizzes, etc.  Video and Audio production is becoming increasingly easier and chearper for the average developer.  So if the real value add is in creating the highest quality mico-content, then do we need to understand and master Dreamweaver?  I would say NO!

 

If you are spending any time at all developing your skills, I would suggest mastering the design of and production of micro-content.  It may not be today, but very soon the rest of what we do will be automated by advanced LMS authoring, and LCMS systems.  Dreamweaver has outlived its usefulness as most apps usually do at some point.

 

Be a better designer!  Create nano, and micro-content that really pops, and moves people.  If it’s simply text your are creating then learn to write well.  If you are creating an image create an awesome visual.  If its video you are creating understand lighting, camera angles and mood.  Learn to tell a good story.  This will take you into the next generation that doesn’t have a place for the likes of Dreamweaver.

 

No comments: