What, exactly, makes for great instructional design?
I believe, there are five essential elements of what goes into a great instructional design project:
- It should align with business goals
- Ensure the training addresses a gap in performance
- Be job or task-focused
- Uses evidence-based or proven models
- Provide transfer of learning on the job
You need more than bling, bling, as I call it. Sure, the learning should have great graphics, videos, animation, etc.., but if the organization or learners don’t value it as something that will help them perform their jobs better, then why create it? It requires a bit of hard work, planning, outlining, structuring, use of evidence-based research, and usability. This is what that looks like before a training program is developed. Below you will find examples of documentation that makes up a good training needs assessment. It includes organizational analysis, performance analysis, task analysis, and learner analysis. This all goes into either a detailed design document, storyboards, and instructional Plans, which you will also find examples of below.
Performance Analysis
This performance analysis was created for BP Global Upside Talent Learning for the Director of BP Global Upside Talent and Learning Eastern Hemisphere. The learners are the workers at BP Upside Talent and Learning Angola Division. The Director was concerned the workers did not know how to properly evaluate tasks for importance and urgency, and acknowledge and give an estimated time of resolution.
What it includes
The performance analysis determined the gap in performance. How the expected performance connected with BP Global Strategic Business Objectives. A Cause Analysis of the worker’s current performance and if knowledge and skills were a factor. Finally, it shows if a job aid or performance support could adequately be used instead of training.
Learner Analysis
What it includes
The learner analysis for BP Global analyzed key attributes of the learners and was collected through a variety of means such as questionnaires, surveys, and interviews. The analysis collected information such as the learner’s education, language, work experience, task experience, the work context, and what the learners need to learn that’s critical, difficult, or complex with the tasks. Ideas for instructional strategies were developed from the analysis.
Task Analysis
What it includes
Task analysis is the analysis of how this task is accomplished, including a description of both manual and mental activities, task and element durations, task frequency, task allocation, task complexity, environmental conditions, and any other unique factors involved in or required for one or more people to perform a given task. This was done by interviewing a Subject Matter Expert and content gathering.
Detailed Design Document- e-learning
What it includes
This document describes the design methodology for an e-learning course. It includes a high-level scope that describes in detail the intended approach. The recommendations are based on:
- Experience of the current learning being given
- Initial meeting
Storyboarding/Scriptwriting
What it includes
The script is the template from which is used to build the course. The content and screen types appear as described in the document. There are also graphic descriptions explaining what images will appear on the screen. This document is used to make sure that all of the information appears in the course the way the client wants it. It also shows the tone of voice and style that is intended to be used.
From storyboard to online learning
