The Development Process

The overall development process involves the following steps:

1. Planning -- During the Planning stage of the process, we will meet with the Client to plan the specifics of the project. At this time, we will demonstrate what we can do with our suite of tools and discuss specific modifications to the existing set of tools that might be needed to satisfy the requirements of the Client. Some of the main tasks to accomplish during this time include:

  • Determine the type of Web-based training is going to be required. (Content, Assessments, Software Simulations)

  • If Simulations, determine what modes to be used. (Demonstration, Practice, Assessment, Combinations, etc.)

  • Determine the specific design features desired by the Client. (Background image, use of company logo, button graphics, etc.)

  • Determine if a Learning Management System is to be used or if Client desires to use HTTP Post to store information in a Database.

  • Determine the outline for the lessons that will make up the course to be developed.

2. Customization of the Tools -- Once we have a clear understanding of what the Client's needs are, we will take our existing suite of tools and customize them to meet as closely as possible those needs. Some of the main tasks to accomplish during this phase include:

  • If Simulation lessons are to be developed, add relevant help information to the each type of Scenario as desired by the Client.

  • Redesign existing Starter (Blank) books to include graphics desired by the Client.

  • Redesign existing Template pages to include graphics desired by the Client.

  • Recode existing Template pages as needed.

  • Do any recoding to the Authoring tool (System Book).

3. Training -- When the Writers have finalized the course outline and are ready to begin writing lessons, we will provide the training needed to help them start producing Storyboards. If lessons include Software Simulations, we will provide training in how to do the necessary screen captures. Writers will receive a Setup Program that will install the Storyboard Builders on their PCs.

4. Writing -- Writers will use the Storyboard Builders to write the different types of lessons needed to build the course.  The types of lessons can include:

  • Simulations in Demonstration Mode Only

  • Simulations in Demonstration, Practice, and Assessment Modes

  • Simulations in Practice and Assessment Modes with Demonstration (Show Me) Optional.

  • Content Only

  • Quiz

The Writers will generate the ini files that contain the lesson information, gather any graphics, do any screen captures needed, and provide all this material to us to use to build the lessons.

5. Creating the Lessons -- Using the ini files and graphics, we will use our Authoring tool, the Starter books, and Template files to create the raw ToolBook product. We will then do any final coding, positioning of objects, etc. that is needed to build the lesson.

6. Publishing the DHTML Product -- Once a lesson is built, we will publish the tbk file to DHTML and provide this product for review to the Client.

7. Reviewing the DHTML Product -- A Comment Collector will be "turned on" so that reviewers can test the final product and make comments/suggestions for change. If major revisions are required, we will ask that Client go back to their copy of the Storyboard and make those changes and resubmit the ini file to us to rebuild or update the ToolBook file.

8. Final Deployment -- After review and approval of the lessons, we will publish the final product and provide those files along with the ToolBook files to the Client.