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Methods
Standards
Using the Authoring tools and talented individuals that best suit the objectives such as Authoring PRO, Macromedia MX Suite and other tools such as Flash,
PRO-ductivity Systems creates training and marketing presentations for delivery in the classroom, via CD-ROM or as part of a web-based performance support systems.
""Web-based training (WBT) is an innovative approach to distance learning in which computer-based training (CBT) is transformed by the technologies and methodologies of the World Wide Web, the Internet, and intranets."
WBT "allows self-directed, self-paced instruction in any topic.
WBT is media-rich training fully capable of evaluation, adaptation and remediation, all independent of computer platform." (Reproduced from www.filename.com/wbt/pages/whatiswbt.htm)
It offers 3-D virtual reality, animation, interaction, chat and conferencing and real-time audio and video for users with current web browsers.
WBT can meet the needs of a variety of learners, act as a job aid for performance support, and is available on demand.
To begin to deliver training to individuals anywhere in the world at any time, establish a formal development process based upon sound needs analysis that is best suited for your project.
Instructional Systems Design (ISD) models a comprehensive training design approach used to design classroom and computer-based training.
The Instructional System Development (ISD) Model (5) was designed to solve training problems. The ISD model was first established by the Department of Defense, but can now be found in almost any type of organization. It grew out of the "systems analysis" concepts that became popular after World War II. It is probably the most extensively used instructional design model in use today.
ISD is concerned with the identification of training requirements based on the analysis of job performance requirements data obtained from experts in the job to be performed. Training objectives are formulated as a result of the job analysis process and tests are developed to be used to assess the learner's progress toward meeting the training objectives. ISD or SAT also attempts to bring structure to the instructional design process when determining the optimal instructional strategies, instructional sequencing, and instructional delivery media for the types of training objectives involved.
Although there are minor differences, most development systems follow an approach similar to this:
Analyze the system in order to completely understand it, and then describe the goals you wish to achieve in order to correct any shortcomings or faults within the system.
Design a method or model to achieve your goals.
Develop the model into a product (in training, this product is called courseware).
Implement the courseware.
Evaluate the courseware and audit-trail throughout the four phases and in the field to ensure it is heading in the right direction and achieving the desired results.
A typical project involves the following phases:
- Needs Analysis
Define desired outcomes and budget for the project.
- Task/User Analysis
Define the skills, knowledge, and attitudes are needed to perform the job. Define the range of user's computer experience.
- Technical Analysis and Site maintenance
Define available technical capabilities and development timeline.
- Interface Design
Define the flow of the non-linear way learners/users will use the
product.
Define metaphors and the necessary interface that will provide features that allow the learner to control the learning process.
Test the usability of the interface with users of various skill and knowledge levels.
- Standards definition and design document
Describe technical, site maintenance, and security standards, learning and performance objectives.
- Template Design
Using an authoring software tool, a template with pre-positioned and coded navigational controls, screen elements and reusable learning objects can be created for consistency and development time savings.
- Instructional Design
Together with subject matter experts, instructional designers organize and present learning content to meet the goals and performance objectives.
Story boards used to create interactive screens may be prepared to
examine the presentation and approach to accomplishing the goals, for accuracy
and completeness.
Knowledge of teaching methods and adult learning styles is used as
well as the process of "chunking" information into the smallest
essential informational unit.
This process enables the presentation of material for use both in learning and in performance support for later reference.
- Media Creation
Based upon story boards, media specialists create the variety of
content that will make up the project: still graphics, movies, text, animations,
music, narrations, and Shockwave content.
- HTML document processing
Using an authoring software tool, minimal HTML process will need to be done.
- CGI Scripting is optional
Using certain authoring software tools, there will be no scripting for the presentation.
Code has been written to interface to a learning management system for tracking performance testing scores, etc. according to SCORM and AICC standards. All you do is select the preferred publishing standard!
- Web server administration
Client's webmaster and system administrator monitors courseware/performance system usage, maintains user accounts, access privileges, supporting databases, and external hyperlinks.
- Evaluation and Pricing
Ongoing testing and evaluation to ensure that outcomes defined in needs analysis and tasks/user analysis are achieved.
Redesign content segments as necessary. Using our preferred authoring software tool for CBT and WBT makes maintenance easy and cost effective.
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