Steps for Creating Educational Interactive Projects:

from Instructional Design Strategies and Tactics, Cynthia B. Leshin, Joellyn Pollock & Charles M. Reigeluth. ISBN #0-87778-240-7, © copyright 1992 Educational Technology Publications, Inc.

Step 1 Analyze the Problem

Define the problem.

Identify the source of the problem.

Determine possible solutions.

Communicate results.

Step 2 Analyze the domains (jobs)

Identify the tasks comprising each domain.

Identify performance deficiencies associated with each task.

Write the performance objectives for each task.

Develop the performance measures for each task.

Step 3 Analyze & Sequence tasks

Choose one task and determine if it is a procedural or a transfer task. Tasks that are procedural can easily be broken into sequential steps. Tasks that are transfer tasks cannot easily be broken down in steps, usually because the procedure to accomplish the task can vary each time it is performed. The nature of the content depends on the nature of the tasks.

Analyze the objects and tools of the tasks.

Identify and sequence the main components of the task.

Analyze the target learner.

Analyze existing courses.

Narrow down media choices.

Communicate results.

Plan the project.

Step 4 Analyze & sequence supporting content. Supporting tasks include prerequisites - what they need to know before starting your project, as well as other content such as related information, concepts, principles, higher-level thinking skills, attitudes and values.

For each procedural task, identify and sequence important support content.

For each transfer task, identify and sequence importing supporting content.

Sequence supporting content with major content.

Allocate content to modules.

Step 5 Specify Learning Events and Activities (design and write each lesson)

Memorization of information

Application of skills

Understanding relationships

Higher-level thinking skills

Step 6 Perform Interactive Message Design

Human based systems (teacher, instructor, tutor, role-plays, group activities, field trips)

Print based systems (books, manuals, workbooks, job aids, and handouts)

Visual based system (books, job aids, charts, graphs, maps, figures, transparencies, slides)

Audio-visual based systems (video, film, slide-tape programs, live television)

Computer based systems (Computer based instruction, computer-based interactive video, hypertext)

Step 7 Evaluate instruction

Conduct expert review

Conduct one-on-one formative evaluation

Conduct pilot formative evaluation

Conduct summative evaluation, if needed

Formative evaluation is testing whether or not your project did what you intended. Summative evaluation is whether or not your instruction looked beyond the design objectives, for the overall worthiness of the project. Does it improved whatever it set out to improve.

~ peace, polka and piwo