Tools and Tips for eLearning Development Reviews

Tools and Tips for eLearning Development Reviews By Leigh Anne Lankford

The eLearning development process is complex, often involving multiple stakeholders, feedback loops, and iterative changes. Without a streamlined review process, teams can easily get bogged down by miscommunication, rework, inefficiency, and frustration. Whether you’re developing onboarding modules, compliance training, or product knowledge content, creating a smooth review workflow is critical for delivering high-quality eLearning experiences on time and within budget.

This article explores essential tools and practical tips to help eLearning development consultants streamline their review processes and foster collaboration.

Why a Streamlined Review Process Matters

A chaotic review process can lead to delayed deadlines, bloated budgets, and subpar learning experiences. Key challenges include:

  • Miscommunication: Feedback gets lost in emails or verbal conversations.
  • Version Control Issues: Multiple iterations make it hard to ensure the SME is reviewing the most up-to-date version.
  • Too Many Reviewers: Too many people reviewing a course can result in contradictory feedback.
  • Late Reviewers: If your top stakeholder waits until the course is nearly ready to launch to review, you can find yourself with a lot of re-work.
  • Lack of Clarity: Unclear instructions or feedback can waste valuable time.

By streamlining the review process, you can minimize these challenges, increase efficiency, and ensure that everyone involved is aligned.

Download: 4 Things that will burn up your eLearning budget

Top Tools for Streamlining the Review Process

Several tools are purpose-built to simplify the review process for eLearning developers. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:

1. Articulate Review 360

A favorite among eLearning professionals, Review 360 allows stakeholders to view, comment on, and approve courses directly within the platform. Key features include:

  • Centralized feedback for better organization.
  • Real-time notifications for updates and comments.
  • Clear version control, ensuring stakeholders see the latest iteration.

2. Adobe Captivate Reviewer

Adobe Captivate Reviewer integrates with Adobe Captivate projects, enabling reviewers to add comments directly within the course interface. It’s ideal for eLearning developers already using Adobe tools.

3. Frame.io

While primarily designed for video projects, Frame.io is excellent for reviewing video-based eLearning content. Its intuitive interface and time-stamped feedback feature make it a great choice for multimedia-heavy courses.

4. Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets)

For teams on a budget, Google Workspace offers robust collaboration features. Sharing documents and presentations with built-in commenting and suggestion modes ensures transparency and efficiency.

Tips for an Efficient Review Process

Tools alone won’t solve all your challenges. Implementing effective strategies is just as important. Here are some best practices to consider:

1. Define Roles and Responsibilities

Establish who will provide feedback and at what stage. Limit the number of reviewers to avoid contradictory input and ensure that each stakeholder knows their specific role in the process.

2. Set Clear Expectations

Before starting each review cycle, clarify:

  • The type of feedback you’re looking for (e.g., content accuracy, design issues).
  • Deadlines for submitting feedback.
  • A list of what has already been signed off (e.g., the course layout, objectives).
  • The format in which feedback should be provided.

One best practice is to layout in a document what is reviewed at what point in the review timeline.

3. Centralize Feedback

Use a single tool or platform to collect all feedback. This eliminates the need to sift through emails, Slack messages, or sticky notes. It also should be viewable by all reviewers to help avoid conflicting feedback.

4. Maintain Version Control

Always name files clearly (e.g., “CourseName_v3”) and ensure that only one version is open for review at a time. This reduces confusion and prevents conflicting updates.

5. Schedule Regular Review Meetings

Hold brief meetings during key stages of the review process to address questions and ensure alignment. These touchpoints can reduce back-and-forth communication.

6. Prioritize Feedback

Not all feedback is created equal. Work with stakeholders to prioritize changes that will have the most significant impact on the learning experience.

7. Close the Loop

Once changes are implemented, update stakeholders to confirm that their feedback has been addressed. This fosters trust and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Download Streamline Your SME Review Process 

Conclusion

A streamlined review process can make the difference between a chaotic, delayed project and a successful, efficient eLearning launch. By leveraging the right tools and implementing clear strategies, eLearning development consultants can save time, reduce stress, and deliver exceptional learning experiences. Ready to take your review process to the next level? Start by exploring one of the tools mentioned and implementing just one or two of the tips shared here.

Ready to Work with Us?

Does your learning and development department have more projects than people? TrainingPros has been named as a Top 20 Staffing Company internationally by Training Industry. Coupling this award with being voted as a top Custom Content Development company internationally by our consultants for five years in a row underscores TrainingPros’ unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, tailored training solutions. In addition, our diverse status through WBENC and Supplier Clearinghouse make us a smart choice that your procurement group will love.

If you need a single eLearning Developer, an Instructional Design Consultant, or a complete team for eLearning process outsourcing, contact one of our industry-expert relationship managers. When you have more projects than people™, let us find the consultant to start your project with confidence. Schedule a consultation today.

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Leighanne Lankford

With more than 30 years of experience in Learning and Development, I bring a wealth of expertise to every project. My career has spanned roles from instructional designer to learning leader, equipping me with a deep understanding of the industry. Holding an MS in Human Resource Development, I’ve been recognized with multiple industry awards for my contributions as a practitioner. Under my leadership, my company has won dozens of L&D industry awards, reflecting our commitment to excellence. Since 2007, I’ve been passionate about connecting consultants with impactful projects at TrainingPros, ensuring both clients and consultants thrive. Connect with me to explore insights that elevate your L&D strategies.
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With more than 30 years of experience in Learning and Development, I bring a wealth of expertise to every project. My career has spanned roles from instructional designer to learning leader, equipping me with a deep understanding of the industry. Holding an MS in Human Resource Development, I’ve been recognized with multiple industry awards for my contributions as a practitioner. Under my leadership, my company has won dozens of L&D industry awards, reflecting our commitment to excellence. Since 2007, I’ve been passionate about connecting consultants with impactful projects at TrainingPros, ensuring both clients and consultants thrive. Connect with me to explore insights that elevate your L&D strategies.

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