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    e-Learning by Design by William Horton Summary

    e-Learning by Design
    William Horton
    3.88 (217 Reviews)
    Education
    Technology
    Communication skill
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    Overview of e-Learning by Design

    Transform your digital learning from mundane to magnetic with "eLearning by Design." Horton's revolutionary Absorb-Do-Connect framework has reshaped corporate training worldwide. Did you know instructional design experts consider this the secret weapon behind today's most engaging virtual learning experiences?

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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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    Key Takeaways

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    Designing Learning That Works in the Digital Age

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    Picture a world where learning happens anywhere, anytime, through engaging digital experiences that transform lives. This isn't just a futuristic vision - it's the reality William Horton helped create through his groundbreaking work. Before remote learning became mainstream during the pandemic, Horton was crafting the blueprint for effective digital education that organizations from Google to the World Health Organization now rely on. His approach goes beyond simply putting content online - it's about creating purposeful learning experiences that actually work. What makes digital learning truly effective isn't flashy technology, but thoughtful design that connects with how people naturally learn and grow. Creating impactful e-learning starts with understanding what truly matters - to both learners and organizations. Half of all digital learning projects fail because designers skip this crucial first step. Instead of asking "What content should we include?" we must ask "What should learners be able to do afterward?" and "How will this help achieve organizational goals?" Well-crafted learning objectives specify behaviors learners should demonstrate, conditions under which they'll perform, and success criteria. Compare "understand project management" to "Create a project timeline using Gantt charts that accurately represents task dependencies within 15 minutes" - which gives clearer direction? The sequence of learning matters tremendously. Bottom-up approaches build from fundamentals to complex applications, while top-down approaches start with the big picture before exploring details. Think about how differently you'd teach someone to drive - would you start with engine mechanics or the experience of navigating traffic? The right sequence depends on your learners' needs and the nature of what they're learning. Effective e-learning design considers multiple perspectives - learners, instructors, subject experts, and stakeholders - to create experiences that transform information into applicable skills.

    2

    Knowledge Acquisition Through Absorb Activities

    3

    Developing Skills Through Do Activities

    4

    Connect Activities: Bridging Learning to Real-World Application

    5

    Testing and Assessment as Learning Tools

    6

    Structuring Learning: From Topics to Comprehensive Courses

    7

    The Future of Digital Learning: The Catalyst Model