9471 Instructional Systems Design

Designing learning experiences for professionals is very different from lesson planning for K-12 students. Learn to analyze professional development needs, select appropriate instructional strategies, translate those strategies into products, and evaluate the quality of your work. The ISD approach produces quality training programs, whether you work for a multi-national corporation or a local school district.

Backward Design is the only way to go! That's what this course has taught me. We worked through each of the steps on the Backward Design model and although the name of the model sounds "backward", it really works. Regardless of whether you are designing something for a classroom presentation or a training program, this model helps you focus on what is important - the outcome. I compiled all of my assignments into one document and it is located under the Artifacts section. I approach problem-solving differently after completing this course because it taught me to start at the end and work to the beginning. It just makes sense to first look at what you are trying to accomplish and then start creating the steps to get there. The overall process takes some time and a lot of commitment to detail, but the results are worth it.