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Successful teams will often incorporate
following skillsets: - Project manager - Subject expertise - Educational designer - Resource developers including -- Print (Desktop publishing) -- Web (HTML/flash/ASP) -- Multimedia (authoring in Director or Authorware) -- Graphic Design
Not all skillsets will necessarily be needed for all projects. Note that these are particular skillsets, not individuals. One person may take on more than one role, though one person should never do both educational design work and act as a subject expert. May of theses skillsets can also be contracted in for particular projects, there doesn't have to be a permanent team. What's critical is that all of
relevant skillsets are available to
project. Many projects have floundered because of an assumption that someone can pick up
skills along
way. Possibly a useful staff development exercise, but unlikely to result in quality materials being developed on time.
What's clear is that a mindshift from a cost-driven mentality to an investment mentality is needed. Where
development of training materials is seen as a cost to be minimised, it's unlikely that
potential of
technologies will be utilised. Where training materials development is seen as an investment in
intellectual capital of
organisation, it will pay dividends in terms of real learning, changed work practices and learner capabilities.

Phil has worked in Australia and New Zealand as an instructional designer and project manager. He has been involved in a number of projects in the field of flexible delivery, both research based and product-based. He also works as a staff development consultant. http://www.toucanhouse.co.nz