The Development Process

Development of e-learning programmes is a systematic process. As discussed earlier, it would make sense to develop our programmes in small chunks, with our overall aim to complete a full programme. The strength of this approach is it enables us to test, experiment, evaluate and improve our work as we go along and release units or modules when we are ready. We can also collate different objects, units or modules together to meet unique needs of various identified student groups.

E-learning development normally follows the ADDIE (analyse, design, develop, implement, and evaluate) instructional design model. This is a basic model that holds true for any type of learning, including Web-based. For the purpose of SHTM, a proposed development is outlined in Appendix A for the online Master in Hotel and Tourism Management programme.

Facilitating the development process
To help SHTM develop outstanding e-learning a project team approach is suggested. This could be a team of practitioners (instructional designers, multimedia technicians and SME’s) supported by an advisory group of industry and learning experts drawn from the School and industry users in Hong Kong and overseas.

Financial considerations

Development costs for the programme could come from a number of sources – internal and external. The basic costs would be staff remuneration, as the bulk of the work could be completed in-house. However, some additional expertise and costs would be incurred such as design, expert help, project assistance and purchase of systems. Sources for this could include the EDC, ODU, WTO, company sponsorship etc.