The Serious eLearning Manifesto is meant to be a constructive, actionable document for developing quality learning. While the manifesto itself is not meant to be “learned,” there are plenty of tips and tools that can help you practice the principles of the manifesto in your real-world designs and projects. For instance, to help facilitate its impact you could create flashcards to memorize its values and principles, print up a poster and hang it high in the office, or even create a worksheet/checklist for reference on every project. 

But before you rush off to the printer, why not download this free iPad app and keep the Serious eLearning Manifesto handy at all times? The app is designed to allow quick access to each of the main sections.

Here are three ways you can put the manifesto app to work: 

1. Project Kick-Off Meetings

Take a few minutes to discuss the Manifesto’s values with respect to the new project’s goals. This exercise, done with the project’s stakeholders (internal or external clients), will give you a powerful framework for challenging ineffective ‘text and next’ quick development models. After the kick-off meeting, ask the project’s stakeholders to download the app or visit elearningmanifesto.org to review the 22 principles. It’s a great opportunity to up-sell the benefits of quality learning design.

2. Internal Development Team Discussions

eLearning projects are never really finished, they are simply completed due to time constraints. Try resurrecting a few past projects and facilitate a discussion with your team about how well past works align with the spirit of the Serious eLearning Manifesto.  Mind you, no project will completely fulfill all 22 Principles. This exercise is about taking a look at past constraints and seeing if a few simple changes could have improved the project’s overall quality. 

3. Writing & Reviewing RFPs  

Before the next project even begins, ask if it’s setup to succeed. An RFP can easily express the learning values of the organization. When writing or reviewing the next project RFP, pull up the Manifesto app to quickly scan the document for inclusion of both the values and tactical principles it outlines. If the Manifesto’s basics are missing, it’s a good time to ask if the project is really focused on the right business outcomes or simply seeking to put some training in place.

 It’s not only priceless, but it’s free too.