Wipe Out Boring e-Learning

Since network downtime costs data and productivity, the Department of Defense hires staff to keep servers running. But what about using technology to maximize learning?

That’s my job: I keep web surfers online with engaging, effective education that improves learners’ performance. I’m an experienced instructional designer, who especially enjoys e-learning and produces exceptional products by incorporating research-based instructional models,  such as the Systems Approach to Training (SAT).

The entertainment industry is changing to high definition (HD) media. Why? Because HD enhances viewers’ experience, and that sells. Similarly, I support high-definition teaching tools, to include exercises, games, and simulations focused on realistic problems to make training more applicable and immersive.

Current technology can make far more powerful training than textbooks. Learners can not only read theories, but interact with a simulation that puts theories into action. That way, training can be made similar to real-world tasks. Feedback can also be customized based on user input. Further, online communities let individuals interact with others that have similar interests, as well as receive training from experts. However, experts may not explain things simply enough for a layperson. That’s where I come in as an instructional designer and put together meaningful, memorable, modern learning.

Internalize Learning

Learning is an inner process, but a series of outer, measurable steps help instruction be internalized:

Step 1: Needs Analysis

If learners are expected to know process x, what currently prevents achievement? I follow M. David Merrill’s approach, where real-world problems and “activation, demonstration, application, and integration” drive instruction.

Step 2: Instructional Objectives

The destination is what learners need to be able to do once training has finished. Objectives map out this destination and steps required to arrive–defining skills, the context for teaching these skills,and how learning will be assessed. Teaching these objectives should center around real-world problems.

Step 3: Learning Type

Then, the kind of learning, whether a motor, verbal, intellectual, cognitive skill, or attitude determines my design direction.

Step 4: Means and Media

Every destination needs an approach. To take a simple example, if Johnny were preparing for a spelling quiz (a verbal skill), drill and practice flash cards could be used. However, with other learning types, different structures and levels of interactivity may be needed. In any case, a guidance system should help learners through relevant activities till they can perform tasks.

Step 5: Field Test and Evaluate

Both learners and learning modules need appropriate assessment. Could learners grasp, remember, apply, and integrate the training? How well do learners perform? Can instruction be improved? Throughout this process, I believe that training should be entertaining. My vision requires revision, to design and redesign until refined.

Get Animated About “idjared”

A vivid, visual explanation posted on YouTube helps convey my meaning for “idjared.” Sure, I could just tell you–using words alone–that “i.d.” stands for instructional designer, and that being an instructional designer forms part of my identity.

Does this make “idjared” significant? Maybe. However, my animation shares a far more memorable, appealing story. Idjared means that I’m a card-carrying instructional designer who invites you to withdraw from my creativity bank. I also include this to show how storytelling and graphics add interest and clarify unfamiliar content.

Wiki for Best Educational Videos

Check out EduTube, which has rated influential educational videos, especially those promoting Web 2.0′s potential to augment learning.

“Must See” Video–The Machine is Us/ing Us

This video visualizes the history, evolution, and future of Web 2.0. It also points to the learning significance of social bookmarking/annotating tools like Diigo and Del.icio.us as well as blogs, wikis, XML, etc. Truly profound! Anyone with a stake in learning should take four and a half minutes to watch this.