Confessions of an ID: secrets of project management for learning design

Do you pull your hair out guiding your clients to follow your learning design process and timeline? We use an online project management system, TeamworkPM to turn that situation around, not only do we follow the process, but everyone has visibility over the project.

Transparency over the process
Within our proposals to clients, we provide an infographic of the process we will follow, which is largely based on ADDIE. Then in teamwork, we map out the tasks, responsibilities, dependencies and link them to the key milestones. Now comes the cool part, the app then produces the Gantt chart, and on-demand reports to show where we are at, what's coming up, and when.

Projects a professional approach
Once the project is underway, we provide clients with:

• Access to the branded Teamwork site (see image above)
• A fully scheduled and resourced project site with all relevant tasks and milestones clearly identified
• Assistance using the site as required 

• Access to other key stakeholders as requested

New levels of visibility
Through this site (or your preferred site) we are easily able to: 

• Manage the project online from anywhere
• Track tasks and milestones, receive reminders, and make sure deadlines are achieved
• Store, control and access project files from anywhere, anytime
• Message individuals or groups about current requirements, with full searchable history
• Manage tasks and progress to help reach goals
• Produce printable reports as required by your project

We've run 100's of projects using this online application, but feel free to suggest others. In saying that, the point here is that online project management applications are a MUST for learning design projects, especially if you have more than one team member... Client Project Manager, Vendor Project Manager, Instructional Designer, Graphic Designer (maybe?), Quality Assurance, Subject Matter Expert(s), Project Champion...  

What do my clients think? They love it, feedback is overwhelming, clients like being able to see and be involved in the process.

The application isn't a replacement for understanding project management, it is a tool for enhancing your capabilities.

All the best, Kim. :-)