I am excited to restart this blog. This blog, like my previous entries, is for my graduate school classes at the University of North Texas. These entries are for LTEC 5210 Instructional Systems Design. These entries must around 400 words. Assuming I post the prompt, I will not count that as part of my 400 words. Nor are the words in this section.
Go out into the world (e.g. grocery store, mall, etc.) and locate two examples of instructional design in which you, the viewer/reader, are expected to learn something. What were the goals of the instruction? How effective was it? What are three things you learned that you are not likely to forget?
Dallas Running Club Orientation
I recently joined the DRC (Dallas Running Club) to train for a half marathon. The orientation process for their training program is an excellent case study in instructional design. First, volunteers run the DRC, so while I might be critical of their instructional design practice for their orientation, I am still grateful for the opportunity to be part of the group.
The goal of the orientation was to inform running trainees how to participate in the program. The orientation came in the form of a long email. Much of the information presented in the email probably could have been introduced in an easy to understand infographic or video. However, important information such as “we are cupless,” that runs start “promptly at 7 pm”, and the location of the DRC clubhouse are written in bold.
As someone who has run with a group before, much of the terminology made sense. However, a new runner might be confused with the terminology of the email. I made it to the first run, so I assume the instruction, at least for me was effective.
VUDU – Disk to Digital
VUDU a digital video store recently sent me an email, about their new Disk to Digital service. The email, linked to https://www.vudu.com/in_mobile_disc_to_digital.html?addPix=true, attempts to teach the user how to use their service. Disk to digital is a service that allows people, purchase a license to see their old DVD and Blu Ray on the VUDU streaming video service. Entering in the site, users can see a video showing users how to use the app for their service. The website has in big bold letters the advantages of using their service, “Greater accessibility, Enhanced Quality, and One-stop Clicking.” On the bottom, prices for the services as shown. To convert a DVD, it its $2 for an SD version of the movie you want and $5 for an HD version. Blu-Rays cost $2 to convert to an HD version. I think it is a compelling example of instructional design. They made it easy for me to buy a movie I already own. Unfortunately, Disney, the owner of the movie that I wanted to see, was not participating in the program, and I didn’t get to see the film I wanted to see.
Based on what you have read about instructional design, how important is it to your future work goals?
As a teacher, I tend to focus on one type of learner, and I teach with a limited number of tools. I am excited to learn about teaching people outside of academia. I believe if I move out of the classroom, this will make me more marketable.
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