Instructional Design and E-learning

Simply stated, Instructional System Design process provides a means for sound decision making to determine the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a learning program.

The concept of a system approach is based on obtaining an overall view of the learning process. It is characterized by an orderly process for gathering and analyzing collective and individual performance requirements, and by the ability to respond to identified training needs.

The application of a system's approach insures that learning programs and the required support materials are continually developed in an effective and efficient manner to match the variety of needs in a rapidly changing environment.

E-learning is learning which is supported or facilitated by the use of technology. It can include putting teaching materials and activities online, online assessment, communication tools, audio and video recordings, and classroom technologies such as personal response systems and interactive whiteboards. Its where as a professional you can learn web design, graphic design, or all other softwares and technologies that are necessary for branching out into other fields.

On the same page, e-learning is naturally suited for distance learning and flexible learning, but can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, in that case the term Blended learning is commonly used. E-Learning pioneer Bernard Luskin argues that the "E" must be understood to have broad meaning if e-Learning is to be effective. Luskin says that the "e" should be interpreted to mean exciting, energetic, enthusiastic, emotional, extended, excellent, and educational in addition to "electronic" that is a traditional national interpretation. This broader interpretation allows for 21st century applications and brings learning and media psychology into the equation.

Note that ISD is sometimes referred to as SAT (System Approach to Training) or ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implement, Evaluate). Although there are minor differences among the various ISD models, most learning design models follow an approaches similar to the ADDIE model:
Analyze the performance environment in order to understand it and then describe the goals needed in order to correct any performance deficiencies (identify training requirements).
Design a process to achieve your goals, that is, correct the performance deficiencies.
Develop your initial discoveries and process into a product that will assist the learners into becoming performers (in training, this product is often called courseware).
Implement by delivering the courseware to the learners.
Evaluate the performers, courseware, and audit-trail throughout the four phases and in the working environment to ensure it is achieving the desired results. In the Media Technology for Education and Communication (MTEC) Experts, ISD is mainly for learning material development.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEM PROCESS
According to Training Complex Cognitive Skills: A Four-Component Instructional Design Model for Technical Training, a book by Jeroen J. G. Van Merrienboer, there are keys processes that can lead achieving effetive instructional process based on the ADDIE model.

1. Analyze
- Determine business outcome or linkage for example.
- Analyze system (department, job, etc.) to gain an understanding of it.
- Compile a task inventory of all tasks associated with each job (if needed).
- Select tasks that people need to learn to become performers (needs analysis).
- Build performance measures for the tasks to be learned.

- Choose instructional setting for the tasks to be learned, e.g. classroom, elearning, on-the-job, self study, blended, etc.
- Estimate cost and compare to benefits gained.

2.Design
- Develop the learning objectives, to include both terminal and enabling objectives.
- Identify and list the learning steps required to perform the task.
- Develop performance tests to show mastery of the tasks.
- List the entry behaviors that the learner must demonstrate prior to entering the learning program.
- Sequence and structure the learning objectives.

3. Develop
- List activities that will help the students learn the task.
- Select the delivery methods (media).
- Review existing material so that you do not reinvent the wheel.
- Develop the instructional courseware.
- Synthesize the courseware into a viable learning program.
- Validate the instruction to ensure it accomplishes all goals and objectives.

4. Implement
- Create a plan for conducting the training.
- Conduct the training.

5. Evaluate
- Review and evaluate each phase (analyze, design, develop, implement) to ensure it is accomplishing what it is supposed to.
- Perform external evaluations, e.g. observe that the tasks that were trained can actually be performed by the learners in their working environment.
- Revise training system to make it better and to meet future challenges.

For more information on how effective ISD and Addie model can be on e-learning, read more on this article Introduction to Instructional Design and the ADDIE Model by Kevin Kruse.

With these kind of serene opportunities we have golden chances to develop other skills that would not only make us valuable employees and students, but also ensure a better rate of getting hired. With e-learning, we can learn at our own pace anywhere provided there is a good internet connection.