You'll get the Learning Design that you pay for. Quality assurance in eLearning
We've all heard it: "Can you do it cheaper?" It's the eLearning equivalent of asking a sculptor for a masterpiece, but offering the budget for stick figures. When it comes to quality assurance in eLearning and Learning Design, this question hits a nerve—and for good reason.
Check out this video I've made on this topic here:
What does quality assurance in eLearning really mean?
Ask five people and you'll get five different answers. Some might quote research, others might demand consultancy fees to reveal their secret sauce (true story). But here's the honest version—quality assurance in eLearning is about more than ticking boxes. It's about designing learning experiences that are clear, coherent, engaging, and above all, purposeful.
As a Learning Designer with years of experience across sectors, I know this: quality isn't just about how a course looks. It's how it works. And if your eLearning isn't working, no amount of clip art or catchy animations will save it.
Learning Design starts with foundations
Think of Learning Design like building a house. No one wants to live in one built on sand. The same goes for eLearning. If your Learning Design lacks a solid foundation—clear outcomes, structured modules, and aligned assessments—you're building chaos.
Common red flags that scream "low quality assurance":
- Inconsistent grammar or switching between "programme" and "program" like it's a game.
- Modules that multiply unexpectedly (six...wait, now there's eight?).
- Slides that look like a Pinterest board gone rogue because someone "couldn't decide."
Effective Learning Design requires intentionality. If content feels random or disconnected, it probably is. That's why quality assurance in eLearning is not just about editing—it's about coherence.
Budget vs value in eLearning
Now, I get it. Budgets are real. Quality assurance in eLearning often comes with upfront costs, and yes, it's a lot to swallow. Especially when, unlike traditional face-to-face training, eLearning demands a significant investment before it launches.
But here's the kicker: slashing your Learning Design budget doesn't always save you money. Poorly designed eLearning can hurt learner engagement, reduce ROI, and waste the very time and cash you were trying to save.
That's where smart Learning Designers earn their keep—by knowing what to scale back without compromising on quality. Because sometimes, the cheap version of your "horse" ends up as a meme. And not in a good way.
Be strategic
Quality assurance, eLearning, and Learning Design aren't just buzzwords. They're the building blocks of a successful learning strategy. Whether you're outsourcing to an agency or bootstrapping in-house, make sure someone's thinking deeply about these elements.
Because if course development isn't your core business, find someone who can help. And if it is? Then it's time to level up your Learning Design game.
Until next time, stay awesome.