How to Build Learner Profiles
I was reading our local Edina school information and they had a great example of a Learner Profile Matrix. If you have taken my E-learning Design Boot Camp Training course, you know that an essential success factor in the Discover phase is to really have a solid understanding of who your learners are as you design and build courses. It is essential that you not only know their basic characteristics but that you truly understand what motivates and engages them.
I recommend literally writing down your learner’s characteristics on notecards or on a chart like the one above. There are so many ways to get distracted as you go through the lifecycle of a project but the learner needs to always stay top of mind. Post them around the office, review them at project meetings, and constantly stay focused on the people who will truly benefit from your online learning experiences.
Here is a checklist that you can use to find out more about your learners
The learner profile checklist is important as you meet with the various project participants in the Discovery Meeting as they may have different ideas as to what the learner actually needs and wants.
Who is the typical learner that will be taking the course?
What do they need to be able to DO after the course back at their job?
What is their typical background?
What is their level of computer savvy and knowledge? (Digital Native)
How do they want to receive the training? (In terms of device, sequence and organization)
What will motivate them?
What should the tone be of the course? (Formal, Humor, Informal)
The learner profile checklist is important as you meet with the various project participants in the Discovery Meeting as they may have different ideas as to what the learner actually needs and wants.