There are plenty of definitions regarding Rapid e-Learning. A lot of them are variations of strange theories. But, I have only one definition:
“Rapid e-Learning is the development of learning courseware within a short timeline, which is achieved using basic templates which form a static framework and contains the learning content.”
This implies that not much time is spent on creating complex and pretty animations and interactions. There is debate aplenty in e-learning circles and many people may consider e-learning not valid unless it has a high level of interactivity, pulsing text and images and other bells and whistles, such as nonsensical games. Anything less may be considered as boring click-and-read material. All this just adds extra time (lots of it) and extra expense.
It is easy to disguise poor instructional design with slick effects and animations. However, a lot of this stuff is neither necessary or effective and I believe all these repetitive flying, flashing texts and images can trigger extreme irritation.