An Instructional Design Document (IDD) is a blueprint for developing an educational course or training program. It describes the details of the instructional strategy, content, activities, and assessment tools that will be used in the education or training intervention. Here’s an outline one could follow while creating their own IDD.
1. Executive Summary
– Briefly describe the purpose of the training or educational program.
– Outline the key objectives and expected outcomes.
2. Needs Assessment
– Detail the process used to determine the needs of the learners.
– Explain how this will influence the design and development of the curriculum.
3. Instructional Goals
– List the broad goals of the instruction.
– Align them with company objectives or educational standards.
4. Learner Analysis
– Define who the learners are.
– Include information on their existing knowledge, skills, learning preferences, and any specific characteristics relevant to the instruction.
5. Task Analysis
– Provide a breakdown of tasks learners will be able to perform after instruction.
– Analyze each task to determine what learners need to know to perform it successfully.
6. Content Outline
– Develop an outline indicating main topics, subtopics, and where they fit within the curriculum structure.
7. Instructional Strategies
– Describe teaching methods and rationale for selection.
– Consider different strategies for presenting information, practicing skills, and providing feedback.
8. Assessment Strategy
– Define formative assessments (for learning) and summative assessments (of learning).
– Detail how each assessment aligns with instructional goals and tasks.
9. Media Selection
– Choose appropriate delivery methods (e.g., e-learning modules, instructor-led sessions, interactive simulations).
– Justify why these media are most effective for achieving instructional goals.
10. Implementation Plan
– Sketch out a timeline for development, pilot testing, revisions, and full-scale implementation.
– Include roles and responsibilities for instructional designers, subject matter experts (SMEs), developers, and instructors.
11. Evaluation Plan
– Lay out a strategy for evaluating both learner performance and efficacy of the instructional design.
– Include both qualitative and quantitative data collection plans.
12. Project Management
– Provide timelines, resource requirements, budget considerations,
– Assign task responsibilities among contributors working on the project.
13. Conclusion
– Sum up your approach to instruction,
– Emphasize expected outcomes and benefits for learners following successful implementation.
An effective IDD iteratively focuses on clearly defining outcomes to cover all essential components needed to guide educators or trainers through each phase of course development and implementation. By adhering to this outline during its creation, an instructional designer ensures that all critical aspects of instructional design are considered to meet learners’ needs ideally.