Creating Learner-Centered Instructional Content: An ASK System
LTD Competency Alignment
Objective 1.1: Students are able to design/develop learning and performance opportunities and systems including direct instruction, constructivist learning, collaborative work, and performance support.
UXU Competency Alignment
| UXU Competency | Project Alignment |
|---|---|
| Needs assessment and task analysis. | Assessed the tasks necessary for mastery of creating learning content as well as the learner’s needs. |
| Design frameworks and theories. | Considered consistency, simple and intuitive use, tolerance of error, cognitive load theory to inform segmenting of content. Used Gestalt principles of design (including proximity, common region, similarity, and symmetry). Also used Mayer's Principles of Multimedia. |
| Usability engineering or iterative design through prototyping. | Iterated design through lo-fi and hi-fi prototype improved upon via peer and instructor feedback. |
| Diversity and inclusion methods to increase efficient and effective use. | Used accessibility best practices such as meaningful links, descriptive headings, and concrete language to provide clear, consistent, and concise learning content and environment for all users. |
Description
An ASK system assembles information about a topic as if discussing it with an expert with the intent of helping someone learn it. Creating Learner-Centered Instructional Content: An ASK System seeks to help instructional designers write clear, concise, and consistent instructional content using plain writing; organization and structure; and content curation.
Details
Course: IS_LT 9474: Front End Analysis of Systems
Semester: Fall 2021
Project Type: Individual
Role: Subject matter expert (SME), designer, developer
Learning Process
As SME, I curated the content which the learner needed. As the designer and developer, I analyzed the learner’s needs and revised the content to fit within the context and constraints of the tool. I used Miro and Microsoft Word to outline the lo-fi prototype of the ASK system. I further developed in Microsoft PowerPoint. While PowerPoint can be used for multiple purposes, I adapted the ASK system to fit into the constraints of the program.
Reflection
Since I acted as SME, designer, and developer, I iterated the ASK system using the responsibilities and skillsets necessary for the roles. I considered the needs of the learners to curate, segment, and organize the learning content into the ASK system.
I worked within the constraints of the required tool and timeline. If I develop another ASK system, I might use a different strategy to deliver the content in an interconnected environment to engage the learner in a more effective and efficient user experience. Some options I would consider include a webpage, app, or a game for learning—depending on the needs of the learner.