Comprehensive eLearning Course Development

Learner Analysis

Before developing the courses, a comprehensive learner analysis was conducted at all levels to understand the needs, prior knowledge, and learning preferences of the target audience: intermediate users of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Elements. Methods for collecting data included interpreting survey feedback and cataloging common 'pain points' expressed in other classes or shared on social media. Using my analysis, I developed 3 personas — Architects, Explorers, and Inventors — and identified their key skill gaps, learning goals, and technological requirements, ensuring that the course content was both relevant and accessible.

Instructional Design Methods & Theory

The long-term plan for the eLearning membership was to release one new class each month over 5 years. I chose the Successive Approximation Model (SAM) for its iterative design, prototyping, fast feedback loops, and flexibility. SAM was paired with Backwards Design to map out broad themes, outcomes, and competencies each year. The hybrid arrangement provided structure and agility.

The course design followed cognitivist principles, with each iteration building on prior content to reinforce learners' mental models. Techniques such as scaffolding and chunking were employed to reduce cognitive load, allowing learners to process and retain information more effectively as they advanced through the courses.

Instructional Materials Development

To support the development of a scalable, high-quality membership program, I strategically selected a suite of tools that balanced creative flexibility, instructional clarity, and production efficiency. Each tool was chosen not only for its functionality but for how well it aligned with the pedagogical goals of the course, supporting multimodal learning through video, visual design, and written documentation.

Telestream Screenflow

Used to produce high-resolution screencasts and video tutorials. Its intuitive editing tools and screen capture capabilities allowed for efficient post-production and seamless integration of voiceover narration, callouts, motion effects, and audio.

iWork Keynote

Served as the platform for animated presentations, slide decks, and instructional walkthroughs. Its robust animation features enabled visually engaging content while maintaining consistency in branding and structure across lessons.

Adobe InDesign & iWork Pages

Utilized to design professional, step-by-step handouts and tip sheets. These tools provided the layout precision and visual clarity necessary for printable and downloadable learner guides.

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, & Elements

Supported the development of instructional graphics, visual examples, and creative projects.

Branding & Visual Design Strategy

I developed a visually cohesive and adaptable branding system that balanced clarity, consistency, and creative flexibility. The branding was intentionally neutral yet eye-catching designed to serve as a versatile foundation that could seamlessly align with the evolving color palettes, themes, and creative mood boards for each monthly class. Every class felt fresh and relevant while still maintaining a recognizable and professional visual identity across the entire program.

Collaboration & Leadership

The monthly membership required collaboration with designers, SMEs, and a creative team to develop custom assets, instructional content, and marketing projects.

Vender & Asset Development

Each class included a custom project kit featuring unique, high-quality digital design assets. i collaborated with a new vender each month, providing a creative brief that outlined the desire art style, theme, and mood. Assets were tailored to integrate seamlessly into the class project and give learners hands-on experience with professional quality materials.

Instructional Project Design

Once the vendor assets were delivered, I designed the primary instructional project that demonstrated how to use those materials effectively, bridging creative exploration with practical technique.

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Recruitment

To bring fresh perspectives into the program, I recruited and coordinated with 20 creative SMEs. Each SME contributed a project tutorial, walkthrough, or full class, expanding the instructional variety and deepening the value for learners.

Creative Team Oversight

I led a team of 8 creatives who developed monthly marketing projects using the same vendor assets and class techniques. The demos served as inspirational examples for learners and were used across social media, newsletters, and landing pages to increase engagement and promote creative experimentation.

Implementation

The courses were initially released as asynchronous, virtual instructor-led training (VILT) on the WordPress platform utilizing MemberPress, the established learning management system (LMS) employed by the training organization. This format facilitated self-paced learning through pre-recorded videos, allowing learners to access content at their convenience and integrate it into their busy schedules.

However, as the necessity for enhanced scalability in class administration became evident, a transition was made to Mighty Networks. This platform offered a more dynamic course organization system and a comprehensive tracking mechanism. The change significantly improved the ability to monitor learner progress and outcomes, thereby supporting a more streamlined and efficient educational experience.

Community building and synchronous learning were incorporated into the course through live monthly webinars on Adobe Connect, GoTo Meeting, and Crowdcast. In these "clinics," students could ask me questions, review projects, and receive personalized feedback.

Learner Evaluation & Reflections

Students presented their completed projects in an online gallery, which functioned similarly to a portfolio or collection of work. The gallery served as a monthly exhibition of their finest projects, effectively showcasing the skills and knowledge acquired during their membership. Each portfolio functioned as a summative evaluation, measuring the extent to which learners had achieved the course objectives.

Upon reflection, the membership model was deficient in formal evaluations and monthly learning assessments, which impeded the accurate assessment of whether students felt they had mastered the learning objectives. In the event of designing a similar project in the future, I would ensure that the Learning Management System (LMS) incorporates automated learning evaluations, thereby granting learners comprehensive control over monitoring their progress. Following each lesson, straightforward checklists could be implemented to confirm that learners demonstrate mastery of prior skills before progressing to new content.

Learner Outcomes

The eLearning membership program maintained strong engagement metrics over its five-year span, reflecting both instructional quality and learner satisfaction:

• Average Retention Rate: 85% year-over-year, indicating high sustained member value and program loyalty.

• Average Completion Rate: 64% year-over-year, demonstrating consistent learner follow-through on monthly classes and project-based content.

• Mastery Indicators: 70% of learners demonstrated competency in intermediate Photoshop tools within 16 months based on summative portfolio reviews.

• Post-Course Outcomes: 21% of learners reported joining design teams or achieving project publication success in magazines by applying techniques learned through the membership.

In total, the outcomes underscore the effectiveness of the instructional design, visual strategy, and delivery model in supporting learner persistence and success over an extended period.