Learning Development Times - Benchmark
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The study conducted by Chapman Alliance evaluates the time and costs involved in creating different types of learning content, including instructor-led training (ILT) and various levels of e-learning. Based on 249 completed surveys, average development times and costs are provided for ILT and levels 1, 2, and 3 of e-learning, with costs per finished hour ranging from $5,934 for ILT to $50,371 for level 3 e-learning. The study aims to give organizations benchmarking data for their own learning development projects.
![How Long Does it Take to Create
Learning?
A Chapman Alliance, Research Study
By Bryan Chapman, Chief Learning Strategist
bryan@chapmanalliance.com
www.chapmanalliance.com
Abstract: Several years ago, I published some learning development metrics from several
different studies that included ratios for how long it takes to create different types of
learning. The information has been widely used and appears frequently throughout the
Blogosphere. Recently, we have been receiving many requests to update this data, so
Chapman Alliance created a survey to collect usable metrics that will help you benchmark
your own learning development times. This time, all of the results were collected from a
single audience (249 completed surveys) across several learning formats including instructor
–led training (ILT), Level 1 e-Learning (Basic), Level 2 e-learning (Interactive), Level 3 e-
learning (Advanced), and information about blended learning. The results are contained in
this deck.
Now, the good news… You are welcome to share this research with anyone you’d like.
Because we feel that this information is so important to the industry, we have released it
under Creative Commons, meaning that you can share the whole deck or pull-out
slides/charts and add them to your presentations, white papers, conference presentations,
etc. The only restrictions are (1) you must ALWAYS list the source of information as
“Chapman Alliance” and (2) you are NOT allowed to sell the results without written
permission from Chapman Alliance. That’s it. Enjoy!
Source Citation: Chapman, B. (2010). How Long Does it Take to Create Learning? [Research
Study]. Published by Chapman Alliance LLC. www.chapmanalliance.com](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/learningdevelopmentbenchmarking-chapmanalliance-190105200422/85/Learning-Development-Times-Benchmark-1-320.jpg)
Learning Development Times - Benchmark
- 1. How Long Does it Take to Create Learning? A Chapman Alliance, Research Study By Bryan Chapman, Chief Learning Strategist bryan@chapmanalliance.com www.chapmanalliance.com Abstract: Several years ago, I published some learning development metrics from several different studies that included ratios for how long it takes to create different types of learning. The information has been widely used and appears frequently throughout the Blogosphere. Recently, we have been receiving many requests to update this data, so Chapman Alliance created a survey to collect usable metrics that will help you benchmark your own learning development times. This time, all of the results were collected from a single audience (249 completed surveys) across several learning formats including instructor –led training (ILT), Level 1 e-Learning (Basic), Level 2 e-learning (Interactive), Level 3 e- learning (Advanced), and information about blended learning. The results are contained in this deck. Now, the good news… You are welcome to share this research with anyone you’d like. Because we feel that this information is so important to the industry, we have released it under Creative Commons, meaning that you can share the whole deck or pull-out slides/charts and add them to your presentations, white papers, conference presentations, etc. The only restrictions are (1) you must ALWAYS list the source of information as “Chapman Alliance” and (2) you are NOT allowed to sell the results without written permission from Chapman Alliance. That’s it. Enjoy! Source Citation: Chapman, B. (2010). How Long Does it Take to Create Learning? [Research Study]. Published by Chapman Alliance LLC. www.chapmanalliance.com
- 2. Survey Demographics Thanks to all of you who took time to complete the survey! If you would like to participate in future research surveys from Chapman Alliance, please join our list at www.chapmanalliance.com/join-our-mailing-list
- 3. The data contained in this research was collected from 249 organizations, representing 3,947 learning development professionals, who have created learning content (ILT and eLearning) that is consumed by 19,875,946 Learners.
- 4. Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Development Benchmark
- 5. Low Range (average) Rapid Development, Simple Content, Possible repurposing from existing source material Average Most Typical, ILT Development Projects High Range (average) Complex Projects, Often very Custom, Extended time spent on formatting during production Development of Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Overall Times and Ranges Low Range (average) Rapid Development, Simple Content, Possible repurposing from existing source material, minimal print-based learning support materials Average Most Typical, ILT Development Projects High Range (average) Complex Projects, Often very Custom, Extended time spent on formatting during production Development of Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Overall Times and Ranges 43:1 82:1 22:1
- 6. Development of Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Itemized Development Tasks – How much time is spent in each area through the development process? Snapshot: Average time allocation by task and time spent (all respondents) Number of hours of development time in each task, per finished hour (people hours) 5.36 6.84 5.06 3.38 4.83 6.76 3.42 2.88 3.45 1.01 Based on average of 43 development hours, per finished hour of ILT = 43 hours NOTE: Times reflect time spent by all members of the development team including: instructional designers, writers, subject matter experts (SME), graphic artists, project managers, etc.
- 7. Development of Instructor-Led Training (ILT) How much are organizations spending, on average, per-finished-hour, to create instructor-led training (internally)? $5,934 We asked respondents: List (if known) your average, internal cost for creating 1 finished hour of ILT. The cost shown is the average
- 8. Development of Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Combining Average Time and Average Cost to Estimate Development Costs NOTE: The numbers above assume that all tasks are repeated for each hour of instruction. The study did not explore the efficiency and reduction of time for longer courses by task. Tasks % of time spent on each task Time spent on each task (per finished hour) 1-hour ILT Course 5-hour ILT Course 10 hour ILT Course Front End Analysis 12% 5.36 $ 739 $ 3,695 $ 7,391 Instructional Design 16% 6.84 $ 944 $ 4,722 $ 9,444 Lesson Plan Development 12% 5.06 $ 698 $ 3,492 $ 6,985 Creation of Handouts 8% 3.38 $ 466 $ 2,331 $ 4,662 Student Guide/ Workbook Development 11% 4.83 $ 667 $ 3,336 $ 6,671 PowerPoint and/or other visual development 16% 6.76 $ 933 $ 4,667 $ 9,335 Test and Exam creation 8% 3.42 $ 472 $ 2,360 $ 4,720 Project Management during Development 7% 2.88 $ 397 $ 1,987 $ 3,973 SME/ Stakeholder Reviews 8% 3.45 $ 477 $ 2,384 $ 4,768 Other 2% 1.01 $ 139 $ 697 $ 1,395 Totals 100% 43 * $ 5,934 ** $ 29,672 $ 59,345 Variables: * Average time of development per finished hour of ILT: 43 ** Average cost of development for 1 finished hour of ILT content: $5,934
- 9. Level 1 - eLearning Development Benchmark
- 10. Development of Level 1 - eLearning How is Level 1 eLearning Defined? Level Definition Level 1 eLearning (Basic) Content pages, text, graphics, perhaps simple audio, perhaps simple video, test questions. NOTE: PowerPoint-to-eLearning often falls into this category. Basically pages with assessment. Level 2 eLearning (Interactive) Level 1 plus 25% (or more) interactive exercises (allowing learners to perform virtual "try it" exercises), liberal use of multimedia (audio, video, animations) Level 3 eLearning (Advanced) Highly interactive, possibly simulation or serious game based, use of avatars, custom interactions, award winning caliber courseware The following definitions were used to collect survey data… VERY IMPORTANT: It is important to understand that these definitions were written to be relatively broad by design. Having conducted similar surveys for many years, we’ve found that defining the exact framework of each level makes it virtually impossible for survey respondents to reply (unless their courses just happen to match the definition completely). By allowing for some interpretation, we have found that these guidelines yield the desired results, especially since respondents are also allowed to list low range, average, and high range based on further characteristics of learning content development.
- 11. Development of Level 1 - eLearning Overall Times and Ranges Low Range (average) Rapid Development, Simple Content, Specialized Authoring Tools (includes simple PowerPoint to eLearning projects) Average Most Typical, Level 1 Development Projects High Range (average) Complex Projects, Difficult to Produce, more Media Production 79:1 125:1 49:1
- 12. Development of Level 1 eLearning Itemized Development Tasks – How much time is spent in each area through the development process? Snapshot: Average time allocation by task and time spent (all respondents) Number of hours of development time in each task, per finished hour (people hours) Based on average of 79 development hours, per finished hour of Level 1 eLearning = 79 hours7.87 10.88 9.03 8.66 3.49 5.47 13.42 5.12 5.08 5.59 3.43 0.96 NOTE: Times reflect time spent by all members of the development team including: instructional designers, writers, subject matter experts (SME), graphic artists, authors, media producers, project managers, etc.
- 13. Development of Level 1 eLearning How much are organizations spending, on average, per-finished-hour, to create Level 1 eLearning? $10,054 We asked respondents: List (if known) your average, internal cost for creating 1 finished hour of Level 1 eLearning. The cost shown is the average
- 14. Tasks % of time spent on each task Time spent on each task (per finished hour) 1-hour Level 1 eLearning 5-hours Level 1 eLearning 10-hours Level 1 eLearning Front End Analysis 10% 7.87 $ 1,002 $ 5,009 $ 10,018 Instructional Design 14% 10.88 $ 1,384 $ 6,922 $ 13,845 Storyboarding 11% 9.03 $ 1,149 $ 5,745 $ 11,490 Graphic Production 11% 8.66 $ 1,102 $ 5,512 $ 11,023 Video Production 4% 3.49 $ 445 $ 2,224 $ 4,447 Audio Production 7% 5.47 $ 696 $ 3,478 $ 6,956 Authoring/ Programming 17% 13.42 $ 1,708 $ 8,541 $ 17,082 QA Testing 6% 5.12 $ 651 $ 3,257 $ 6,515 Project Management 6% 5.08 $ 646 $ 3,232 $ 6,463 SME/ Stakeholder Reviews 7% 5.59 $ 711 $ 3,557 $ 7,115 Pilot Test 4% 3.43 $ 437 $ 2,185 $ 4,370 Other 1% 0.96 $ 122 $ 608 $ 1,216 Totals 100% 79 $ 10,054 $ 50,270 $ 100,540 Development of Level 1 eLearning Combining Average Time and Average Cost to Estimate Development Costs NOTE: The numbers above assume that all tasks are repeated for each hour of instruction. The study did not explore the efficiency and reduction of time for longer courses by task. Variables: * Average time of development per finished hour of Level 1 eLearning: 79 ** Average cost of development for 1 finished hour of Level 1 eLearning: $10,054
- 15. Level 2 - eLearning Development Benchmark
- 16. Development of Level 2 - eLearning How is Level 2 eLearning Defined? Level Definition Level 1 eLearning (Basic) Content pages, text, graphics, perhaps simple audio, perhaps simple video, test questions. NOTE: PowerPoint-to-eLearning often falls into this category. Basically pages with assessment. Level 2 eLearning (Interactive) Level 1… plus 25% (or more) interactive exercises (allowing learners to perform virtual "try it" exercises), liberal use of multimedia (audio, video, animations) Level 3 eLearning (Advanced) Highly interactive, possibly simulation or serious game based, use of avatars, custom interactions, award winning caliber courseware The following definitions were used to collect survey data… VERY IMPORTANT: It is important to understand that these definitions were written to be relatively broad by design. Having conducted similar surveys for many years, we’ve found that defining the exact framework of each level makes it virtually impossible for survey respondents to reply (unless their courses just happen to match the definition completely). By allowing for some interpretation, we have found that these guidelines yield the desired results, especially since respondents are also allowed to list low range, average, and high range based on further characteristics of learning content development.
- 17. Development of Level 2 - eLearning Overall Times and Ranges Low Range (average) Rapid Development through Templated Interactions. Simple Animation, Efficient or low-end Media Production Average Most Typical, Interactive eLearning Projects – Level 2 High Range (average) Advanced and custom interactions, Embedded simulation activities and lots of media 184:1 267:1 127:1
- 18. Development of Level 2 eLearning Itemized Development Tasks – How much time is spent in each area through the development process? Snapshot: Average time allocation by task and time spent (all respondents) 17.36 24.69 20.88 22.39 11.29 11.59 32.20 11.88 11.74 10.96 7.41 1.63 Based on average of 184 development hours, per finished hour of Level 2 eLearning = 184 hours Number of hours of development time in each task, per finished hour (people hours) NOTE: Times reflect time spent by all members of the development team including: instructional designers, writers, subject matter experts (SME), graphic artists, authors, media producers, project managers, etc.
- 19. $18,583 We asked respondents: List (if known) your average, internal cost for creating 1 finished hour of Level 2 eLearning. The cost shown is the average
- 20. Tasks % of time spent on each task Time spent on each task (per finished hour) 1-hour Level 2 eLearning 5-hours Level 2 eLearning 10-hours Level 2 eLearning Front End Analysis 9% 17.36 $ 1,753 $ 8,767 $ 17,535 Instructional Design 13% 24.69 $ 2,493 $ 12,466 $ 24,932 Storyboarding 11% 20.88 $ 2,108 $ 10,542 $ 21,085 Graphic Production 12% 22.39 $ 2,261 $ 11,305 $ 22,609 Video Production 6% 11.29 $ 1,140 $ 5,700 $ 11,400 Audio Production 6% 11.59 $ 1,171 $ 5,855 $ 11,710 Authoring/ Programming 18% 32.20 $ 3,252 $ 16,260 $ 32,520 QA Testing 6% 11.88 $ 1,200 $ 5,998 $ 11,996 Project Management 6% 11.74 $ 1,185 $ 5,926 $ 11,853 SME/ Stakeholder Reviews 6% 10.96 $ 1,107 $ 5,533 $ 11,066 Pilot Test 4% 7.41 $ 748 $ 3,740 $ 7,481 Other 1% 1.63 $ 164 $ 822 $ 1,644 Totals 100% 184 $ 18,583 $ 92,915 $ 185,830 Development of Level 2 eLearning Combining Average Time and Average Cost to Estimate Development Costs NOTE: The numbers above assume that all tasks are repeated for each hour of instruction. The study did not explore the efficiency and reduction of time for longer courses by task. Variables: * Average time of development per finished hour of Level 2 eLearning: 184 ** Average cost of development for 1 finished hour of Level 2 eLearning: $18,583
- 21. Level 3 - eLearning Development Benchmark
- 22. Development of Level 3 - eLearning How is Level 3 eLearning Defined? Level Definition Level 1 eLearning (Basic) Content pages, text, graphics, perhaps simple audio, perhaps simple video, test questions. NOTE: PowerPoint-to-eLearning often falls into this category. Basically pages with assessment. Level 2 eLearning (Interactive) Level 1… plus 25% (or more) interactive exercises (allowing learners to perform virtual "try it" exercises), liberal use of multimedia (audio, video, animations) Level 3 eLearning (Advanced) Highly interactive, possibly simulation or serious game-based, use of avatars, custom interactions, award-winning caliber courseware The following definitions were used to collect survey data… VERY IMPORTANT: It is important to understand that these definitions were written to be relatively broad by design. Having conducted similar surveys for many years, we’ve found that defining the exact framework of each level makes it virtually impossible for survey respondents to reply (unless their courses just happen to match the definition completely). By allowing for some interpretation, we have found that these guidelines yield the desired results, especially since respondents are also allowed to list low range, average, and high range based on further characteristics of learning content development.
- 23. Development of Level 3 - eLearning Overall Times and Ranges Low Range (average) Templated Interactions, Games and Simulations, Efficient Simulation Development Practices (Rapid Development) Average Most Typical, Highly Interactive Courses, Simulations and/or Games (Level 3) High Range (average) Complex Projects, Advanced Learning Simulations and Games, Extensive Media Production 490:1 716:1 217:1 NOTE: Several respondents listed times greater than 2000+ hours of development per finished hour (very advanced learning simulations and games)
- 24. Development of Level 3 eLearning Itemized Development Tasks – How much time is spent in each area through the development process? Snapshot: Average time allocation by task and time spent (all respondents) 42.97 61.97 53.22 64.53 30.46 26.61 86.39 31.51 32.19 30.61 20.96 8.59 Based on average of 490 development hours, per finished hour of Level 3 eLearning = 490 hours Number of hours of development time in each task, per finished hour (people hours) NOTE: Times reflect time spent by all members of the development team including: instructional designers, writers, subject matter experts (SME), graphic artists, authors, media producers, project managers, etc.
- 25. Development of Level 3 eLearning How much are organizations spending, on average, per-finished-hour, to create Level 3 eLearning? $50,371 We asked respondents: List (if known) your average, internal cost for creating 1 finished hour of Level 3 eLearning. The cost shown is the average
- 26. Tasks % of time spent on each task Time spent on each task (per finished hour) 1-hour Level 3 eLearning 5-hours Level 3 eLearning 10-hours Level 3 eLearning Front End Analysis 9% 42.97 $ 4,417 $ 22,086 $ 44,171 Instructional Design 13% 61.97 $ 6,370 $ 31,850 $ 63,700 Storyboarding 11% 53.22 $ 5,471 $ 27,355 $ 54,711 Graphic Production 13% 64.53 $ 6,633 $ 33,167 $ 66,335 Video Production 6% 30.46 $ 3,131 $ 15,654 $ 31,308 Audio Production 5% 26.61 $ 2,736 $ 13,678 $ 27,355 Authoring/ Programming 18% 86.39 $ 8,881 $ 44,404 $ 88,808 QA Testing 6% 31.51 $ 3,239 $ 16,196 $ 32,392 Project Management 7% 32.19 $ 3,309 $ 16,545 $ 33,090 SME/ Stakeholder Reviews 6% 30.61 $ 3,146 $ 15,731 $ 31,463 Pilot Test 4% 20.96 $ 2,154 $ 10,772 $ 21,543 Other 2% 8.59 $ 883 $ 4,417 $ 8,834 Totals 100% 490 $ 50,371 $ 251,855 $ 503,710 Development of Level 3 eLearning Combining Average Time and Average Cost to Estimate Development Costs NOTE: The numbers above assume that all tasks are repeated for each hour of instruction. The study did not explore the efficiency and reduction of time for longer courses by task. Variables: * Average time of development per finished hour of Level 3 eLearning: 490 ** Average cost of development for 1 finished hour of Level 3 eLearning: $50,371
- 27. Comparison Charts Development Ratios and Costs
- 28. Development Ratios - Summary ILT, Level 1 eLearning (Basic), Level 2 eLearning (Interactive), Level 3 eLearning (Advanced) Rapid Development, Simple Projects Average Typical Project Advanced, Complex, More Media Instructor-Led Training (ILT) 22:1 43:1 82:1 Level 1 eLearning (Basic) – Content Pages and Assessment 49:1 79:1 125:1 Level 2 eLearning (Interactive) – Level 1, plus 25%+ interactive exercises 127:1 184:1 267:1 Level 3 eLearning (Advanced) – Simulations, Games, Award Winning type 217:1 490:1 716:1
- 29. Average Cost Comparisons - Summary ILT, Level 1 eLearning (Basic), Level 2 eLearning (Interactive), Level 3 eLearning (Advanced) Average Cost per-finished hour Instructor-Led Training (ILT) $5,934 Level 1 eLearning (Basic) – Content Pages and Assessment $10,054 Level 2 eLearning (Interactive) – Level 1, plus 25%+ interactive exercises $18,583 Level 3 eLearning (Advanced) – Simulations, Games, Award Winning type $50,371
- 30. Blended Learning Benchmark of Blended Learning Components
- 31. Blended Learning Components Radar chart showing components most frequently used as part of a blended learning course (across all respondents)
- 32. Blended Learning Components Components used most frequently as part of a blend Frequent Use • Classroom Session(s) ILT (24%) • Self-Paced eLearning (23%) • Virtual Classroom Sessions (12%) Some Use • Online Simulations (7%) • Pre-reading (6%) • Knowledge-Based Tests (6%) • Live Simulations (5%) Low Frequency • On-the-job Training Tasks (4%) • Assigned Homework (completed outside class) (4%) • Pretests (3%) • Posttests (3%) • Post Course Observation Worksheets (2%)
- 33. Blended Learning Components Average mix of major components: Classroom, Virtual Classroom and E-Learning (survey respondents)
- 34. Blended Learning What is the average size of a Blended Learning Course? …and what are organizations typically paying for internal development of blended learning (on average)? $25,900 Average Duration 32 hours Average Configuration NOTE: These were asked as three separate questions. 1. Components used in blend 2. Typical length of blend 3. Average cost of blend We realize that this data doesn’t mesh well with previous questions about development per finished hour ratios. If you average out the costs, it would seem to suggest that blended learning is created at a rate of $809 per finished hour ($25,900 divided by 32). We thought it would be helpful to share the data anyway. Please understand these constraints when interpreting the data
- 35. About the Author Bryan Chapman is Chief Learning Strategist at Chapman Alliance; a provider of research- centric consulting solutions that assist organizations in defining, operating and optimizing their strategic learning initiatives. As a veteran in the industry, he has over 20 years experience and has worked with such organizations as American Express, Shell, Kodak, Sprint, Sharp Electronics, Honda, IBM, Microsoft, Avon, UNICEF, American Red Cross, The Food and Drug Administration, U.S. State Department, and many others; to help them optimize learning efficiency through the use of innovative learning techniques and technologies. Click here for a full bio. Please feel free to contact me if you need some assistance… • working through learning management system (LMS) or any other learning technology selection project • finding and applying learning industry research; custom research projects • optimizing or establishing your learning governance approach • exploring best practices for rapid learning development • learning strategy “jam sessions” (available as a 2-hour block, full-day onsite, or as a workshop) • Click here for more available services Contact information: Bryan Chapman Chief Learning Strategist Chapman Alliance (801) 568-7011 bryan@chapmanalliance.com www.chapmanalliance.com