Course

EDTEC 544: Instructional Design

Project Name

Design Concept: Marketing Graphic Design for Small Business Owners

Picture of Prototype for CBT

Files

Design Concept

Project Description

I developed this design concept document to demonstrate how my partner (Marci Paino) and I planned on creating a computer-based training for small business owners to develop graphic design skills. I generated this design document after completing an initial performance analysis and content analysis. To begin the design document, I gave an overview of the project proposal and the rationale for creating this CBT. Next, I outlined the structure of the CBT and described the general elements involved in each module. I used both written descriptions and graphical displays to depict the organization and flow of the overall training program, as well as each module. The CBT design would give users an introduction to each graphic design concept, a video tutorial to watch, interactive practice exercises, application exercises, and a final assessment after they complete all modules. Next, I developed a lesson plan which described the goals of the program and detailed the content for Module 4: Proximity. This section gave the client an idea of what each module would look like. In addition, I created a table to describe the types of knowledge taught throughout the CBT and the cognitive processes applied to teach that content. Also, I showed pictures of a prototype for Module 4: Proximity to give the client a visual demonstration of what the CBT might look like. Finally, I presented a justification of the design using various principles and theories and developed a list of formative evaluation questions that the client could use to evaluate the prototype.

EDTEC Standard

Throughout this design process, I used a variety of principles and theories to support my actions. The whole concept of using a computer-based program relies upon theory as do many other aspects of the design. In order to make effective training, my designs must be based on proven ideas that someone else has tested and that the learning community trusts. In this project, I used those principles and theories to find creative ways to teach the content in an effective and meaningful way. However, I had to look at the analysis I performed in order to figure out which principles would work best with the needs of my audience. Just taking a principle without complete understanding of the content and audience might look good on paper, but would not end up being effective training. In the end, these principles and theories allowed me to design a training program tailored to the learners’ needs.

Problems and Opportunities

One of the problems I had to overcome within this project was to understand the true nature of the model or theory about which I was reading. Many times learning professionals write theories and principles in vague terms that could apply to many situations. The key was to figure out what that theory or principle meant and if it applied to these specific circumstances. Then, I had to take that theory or principle and actually apply it to this CBT.

My Capabilities

This project shows my ability to organize information about a training program to present to a client. Each section presents greater details about the structure and content of the training modules. As the client progresses through the document, they can have a sense of security that this is a well thought out CBT and that there are no major holes in the design concept. The use of charts, tables, and graphics allows the client to really see each piece of the training design and understand how the training is structured. An important piece of developing training is getting buy-in from the client for the design. With a well-organized document, I have sold this design to the client.

Lessons Learned

I learned that sometimes you can actually apply too many theories to one training program. Every theory and model does not have to fit into every training scenario. It’s difficult to pick and choose the principles and theories to use, but if we use too many, other aspects of the training get overlooked, including creativity. Trying something new is not necessarily a bad idea, if I have a good reason for doing it. So what I learned from this project was to look past the theory and principles and not to solely rely on them for my creative ideas.

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