For some time now I have been looking to be involved in a project that requires instructional design for computer based and cellphone based training. Mindset Learn approached me to assist with the design of storyboards for Information Technology content that will be distributed to Grade 11’s and 12’s. An opportunity that is relatively low in financial rewards but more importantly, very high in personal gratification.

Besides the strategic importance of getting involved in a non-profit organisation whose focus is on maximising technology (TV, Radio, Internet and Cellphone) to develop and disseminate educational content, I find the feeling of committing to a project that can influence young people’s lives refreshing and motivating

www.mindset.co.za

The project involves taking South African IT curriculum-based content that has been created and approved by national curriculum subject matter experts, and creating PowerPoint based storyboards that will be handed over to Flash  developers who will create the final interactive computer based learning material.  What this project is highlighting for me is that the visual experience of the learning path is critical to capturing and then holding the readers attention. Although we have been given some modern and interesting characters and graphics to work with, the technical nature of most of the material is a challenge, especially when it comes to ensuring that “second language teenagers” are engaged sufficiently to make the most of what is an amazingly generous project (the material is going to be distributed for free).

I’ve been in this project for more than 80 hours now and every time I step back from it I am reminded of the need to find a balance between creativity and the details of the content. Thoughts and principles I find I’m using as a guideline when I’m deep in the creative and instructional design work are:

1. Understand and comprehend the learning objectives that are trying to be achieved and how the content I have received can be used to meet these objectives. In other words, don’t lose focus on the agreed learning objectives.

2. There are time and budget constraints (between 25 to 30 hours per storyboard before testing) and creativity needs to be balanced with deliverables and distribution deadlines.

3. Constantly consider the age group and language skills of the target audience , as well as the known challenges of online learning when designing the interactive learning experience. I find that the four learning styles presented by Honey and Mumford to be extremely valuable here.

I could of course digress and discuss the pros and cons of e-learning, but i think that would be boring in this space. I look forward to posting a link to some of the end results.