Reflection Paper

Looking at the choices made and the direction took during the eight weeks of the Computer-Based Training Class offered at University of Wisconsin Stout, the list below will offer insight as to how the final project was developed. 

1. Instructional strategies selected and justification

The main strategy used was the case study to allow the learner to evaluate themselves on their reading a visual stimulus. By doing this, the learner can ideally develop the proper method and skills to have the after-observation conversation. The learner will find that, by being positive and aligning with a non-confrontational conversation, this will bring about a more acceptable outcome for the observer and the observed. 

There is also reflection and absorb type activities that are used in the learning scenario. These will allow the learner to see the outcomes that are from different conversations and how a positive and non-confrontational method works to bring out the best results. 

2. Decisions made along the way with the design

The main decision during the development process was to use Articulate 360 to develop the reusable learning object (RLO). The main reason for this decision is that the company I work for has just purchased Articulate 360 and I needed the practice in developing learning. I also decided to use a different absorb activity than what was my first idea. This first video may be seen in the EDUC 766 tab of this website. I utilized a YouTube video that looked directly at a safety observation scenario and the conversation that followed. This video is included in the RLO found in the SCORM File. 

3. Accessibility components taken into consideration and employed

I used captioning in the voice-over components. Navigation accessibility is built into Articulate instructional design software automatically. 

4. How interface design and visual design principles were incorporated? 

I used Rise with a Storyline learning block in my RLO. The visual design used was colors that were developed by the organization I work for. 

Once I had completed the design of the RLO I discovered a feature in Rise 360 that will allow for branching. If I were to redo this activity, I would utilize Rise’s button stack feature to create the branching. As my knowledge of the Articulate 360 platform the skill and smoothness of the course design will become more user friendly and attractive.  

5. What assessment methods were used and why? 

I use a case study to assess the learner. The primary reason for this is that it makes the assessment more realistic. This puts the learner in an activity that showcases real life situations that could be seen in an observation. 

6. Describe the results of your usability test and any changes you made to your product based on the feedback you received.

One of the findings that I had during my usability test was that there was no captioning in the case study. I had to go back into the Storyline activity and add the captioning to the lesson. Next the font was too small and needed to be enlarged on the Storyline component. Last there were some grammatical errors that were missed during editing. 

7. New insights into competencies for instructional designers

I have seen through the first-hand experience that developing an RLO is much more difficult than I had initially thought. There is much more to it than just developing a bunch of presentation slides. The presentation is one of the last things to be looking at.

If you want to have engaged learners, you must present them with more than a read, click, review, click experience. As an instructional designer, there is a great need to develop a sense of what a learner would find engaging. Then, developing the learning around activities that will make the learner want to continue with their studies.

The learner will need to be motivated by the topic in some way. If they are motivated because it is a requirement of their employment, then as an instructional designer we need to give the learner something to stay awake for. Look into how to gamify, branch, and scaffolding which can make the learning more attractive.