YOU, THE BUYER

PART FIVE (b) — “Instructional Design Review”

Yesterday, we looked at the supreme importance of “optional word-for-word audio” as the number one necessity in effective e-Learning.

Here are some additional instructional design elements you should require:

1) Navigation through the course is simple, consistent and intuitive. In other words, are the screens user-friendly and obvious to the learner?

2) The instruction is both meaningful and interactive. In other words, are the individual units of instruction performance based and require meaningful responses from the learner. In addition, knowledgeable instructional design will segment the course into very small units of instruction, each tied directly to a performance objective.

3) Adult learning characteristics are accommodated. In other words, are the designed communication techniques consistent with the learning culture of the individuals to be trained.

4) Administrative management requirements are satisfied. In other words, the test results, time spent, etc. are readily incorporated into your LMS.

5) The media used is appropriately integrated into the learning experience. In other words, the graphics, stills and animations are directly appropriate to the subject being taught.

There are some practical expectations you should look for, as well.

1) Does the e-Learning lesson you are reviewing provide adequate learning for your targeted audience?

2) Does the e-Learning lesson you are reviewing work on your intended delivery system — internet, intranet, or both?

3) Is the e-Learning lesson you are reviewing SCORM compliant?

Coupled with the “optional word-for-word audio” we examined yesterday, this should give you a pretty good idea of the design elements you should require before making any media training purchase.

More on Friday – – – – –

— Bill Walton, Founder of ITC Learning
bwalton@itclearning.com

“THE WORLD RELIES ON THE HANDS OF ITS MEN AND WOMEN”