My Post: Instructional Design Considerations
2/14/2015
There are many Instructional design models and methods. These models help us to visualize the problem to break it down into discrete and manageable units. They are guideline for building effective training and performance support tools.
Utah State University Professor M. David Merrill states in his article “Reclaiming Instructional Design,” that “Instruction involves directing students to appropriate learning activities; guiding students to appropriate knowledge; helping students rehearse, encode, and process information; monitoring student performance; and providing feedback as to the appropriateness of the student’s learning activities and practice performance. Instructional design is the technology of creating learning experiences and learning environments, which promote these instructional activities.”
Planning is one of the most important concepts in instructional design. A well-designed online course provides students with an engaging learning experience. Utilizing a course management system, such as the Blackboard system, offers methods to structure the resources for easy access anytime and anywhere. Knowing who your students are is part of the planning process and makes the difference in a successful learning environment.
Secondly and equally important is clearly stating your goals and objectives for the course. Included is a general statement as to the student learning outcome and what they should know and be able to do at the completion of the course. It should reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that a student will gain in the course. The content, lesson planning and media selection should be specifically planned to obtain the courses goals. Instructional materials need to enhance the learning opportunities for the learner. Selecting a variety of materials is important in creating an interesting instructional environment that actively engages all students in the learning activities. Charts, graphs, slide presentations; articles and videos are examples of materials that offer alternative methods for different learning style.
Thirdly, communication and interaction by the instructor to the students and students to each other will create a positive learning experience. Students need to know what the instructor’s expectation is for them in the online course. Students need to understand their responsibility for participation to ensure a successful learning experience. A well-constructed syllabus is essential to communicate expectations. Creating an online community through discussion boards, blogs, wikis, and small group work helps to increase understanding and meaning.
The fourth concept when designing an online course is assessments. Assessment is a measurement of learning and is used in grading and needs to reflect the goals and objectives of the course. A rubric for grading assignment is important to facilitate the communication process and to help the student understand the expectations for the assignment. The more a student is informed the greater the chances for success.
Finally, timely feedback is another critical concept in instructional design. Feedback keeps the students informed of their progress. The purpose of feedback is to help guide and direct students efforts to meet specific learning outcomes. It provides guidance on what was done well and on areas for improvement and will add to the success of the learning experience.
There are many Instructional design models and methods. These models help us to visualize the problem to break it down into discrete and manageable units. They are guideline for building effective training and performance support tools.
Utah State University Professor M. David Merrill states in his article “Reclaiming Instructional Design,” that “Instruction involves directing students to appropriate learning activities; guiding students to appropriate knowledge; helping students rehearse, encode, and process information; monitoring student performance; and providing feedback as to the appropriateness of the student’s learning activities and practice performance. Instructional design is the technology of creating learning experiences and learning environments, which promote these instructional activities.”
Planning is one of the most important concepts in instructional design. A well-designed online course provides students with an engaging learning experience. Utilizing a course management system, such as the Blackboard system, offers methods to structure the resources for easy access anytime and anywhere. Knowing who your students are is part of the planning process and makes the difference in a successful learning environment.
Secondly and equally important is clearly stating your goals and objectives for the course. Included is a general statement as to the student learning outcome and what they should know and be able to do at the completion of the course. It should reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that a student will gain in the course. The content, lesson planning and media selection should be specifically planned to obtain the courses goals. Instructional materials need to enhance the learning opportunities for the learner. Selecting a variety of materials is important in creating an interesting instructional environment that actively engages all students in the learning activities. Charts, graphs, slide presentations; articles and videos are examples of materials that offer alternative methods for different learning style.
Thirdly, communication and interaction by the instructor to the students and students to each other will create a positive learning experience. Students need to know what the instructor’s expectation is for them in the online course. Students need to understand their responsibility for participation to ensure a successful learning experience. A well-constructed syllabus is essential to communicate expectations. Creating an online community through discussion boards, blogs, wikis, and small group work helps to increase understanding and meaning.
The fourth concept when designing an online course is assessments. Assessment is a measurement of learning and is used in grading and needs to reflect the goals and objectives of the course. A rubric for grading assignment is important to facilitate the communication process and to help the student understand the expectations for the assignment. The more a student is informed the greater the chances for success.
Finally, timely feedback is another critical concept in instructional design. Feedback keeps the students informed of their progress. The purpose of feedback is to help guide and direct students efforts to meet specific learning outcomes. It provides guidance on what was done well and on areas for improvement and will add to the success of the learning experience.