Logically Arrange the
Lesson
Key #3 for Elevating Confidence & Performance
“10 Keys” Online Learning Design Series
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Logically Arrange the Lesson: Key #3 for Elevating Confidence & Performance
Table of Contents
KEY #3 – LOGICALLY ARRANGE THE LESSON ........................3
1. LEARNING DESIGN ......................................................................4
2. SEQUENCING ................................................................................. 5
3. VISUAL STORYTELLING ..............................................................6
Logically Arrange the Lesson
Key #3 for Elevating Confidence & Performance
Written by: Rich DiBenedetto
The author has taken care in preparation of this White Paper, but makes no expressed or implied
warranty of any kind and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
1st printing June 2014
Copyright © 2014 Rich DiBenedetto
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any
means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Internet, or
information storage and retrieval systems—without the written permission of Rich DiBenedetto.
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Logically Arrange the Lesson: Key #3 for Elevating Confidence & Performance
KEY #3 – LOGICALLY ARRANGE THE LESSON
Show me a subject where there is research that validates a learning theory and I’ll
show you research that attempts to invalidate that same learning theory. One of the most
striking lessons I learned during an M.S. Ed. program at Purdue University was that there
are always differing views on how to effectively enhance the learning process. From the
pioneers of learning design to the paradigm shifting technophiles, it is clear that that idea
of a “one size fits all” approach is not sufficient to explain how people learn. An interesting
gap that caught my attention centers on two schools of thought:
The Academic: Unless you
The Business Professional:
are schooled in instructional
system design, you cannot
effectively apply the theories,
models, and principles that
have evolved.
Because instructional design
relies on logical sequencing,
it’s relatively easy to follow
any “how to” book to create a
training course.
The truth is that both viewpoints have merit. It’s tough to argue against the fact
that additional schooling exposes you to new concepts and research that you might
otherwise overlook. Although some of the theories and models are not necessarily
intuitive, they are valuable when used the right way. However, the “right way” to apply
some learning theories does require advanced study.
Alternatively, there are design concepts that can be learned from off-the-shelf
books and applied to produce high quality instruction. Many experts have written books
that can guide you through the process. The downside is that there is definitely some trial
and error that can cause frustration and delays.
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Logically Arrange the Lesson: Key #3 for Elevating Confidence & Performance
1. LEARNING DESIGN
Traditional learning design models provide a structured approach (such as the Dick
& Carey Model, Rapid Prototyping, and Layers of Necessity; just to name a few) that can be
valuable. However, there are some alternative models (such as the Successive
Approximation Model) that try to take advantage of agile development and technology
while simplifying the design process. Although it’s important to find a model that works
best for you, a traditional approach that has proven to be practical and easy for me is
referred to as ADDIE.
Assessment
Identify the learning problem; create goals and objectives;
examine requirements & constraints; compete instructional
& performance analysis
Design
Specify the learning objectives; create flow charts &
storyboards; produce a low-tech prototype; consider the
graphic design and learner interface
Development
Create the content and the instructional materials
Implementation
Put the plan into action; create a formal procedure for the
learning to reach the target audience; deliver materials to
the learner
Evaluation
Each phase is subject to evaluation as the project evolves;
the final product is evaluated by the learner and feedback is
provided; revisions are considered
The ADDIE model is just one of many approaches that can help you design an
effective training course. Other models and design systems focus on different aspects of
the learning process and can sometimes provide faster or more collaborative solutions.
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Logically Arrange the Lesson: Key #3 for Elevating Confidence & Performance
2. SEQUENCING
Regardless of the learning design model that you choose, there are important
considerations that will help you to logically arrange your lesson. The sequence of the
lesson topics, for example, is essential for learner comprehension and progression toward
subject matter mastery. Getting there requires some basic understanding of brain science
in relation to the learning process.
Although the inner workings of the brain is a mystery for most of us, there is
tangible evidence that a typical person’s brain responds well to order and logic when
engaged in a multi-sensory learning environment. A well designed lesson can take
advantage of different sensory inputs (seeing, hearing, touching) and build associations
between key points and real world events. Those associations are influenced by engaging
content, which is more likely to contribute to comprehension through a transfer of
knowledge, imparting of a skills or a change in attitudes. All of which contribute to
behavioral change.
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Logically Arrange the Lesson: Key #3 for Elevating Confidence & Performance
3. VISUAL STORYTELLING
Take a look at these scenes. As you gaze at the images, your brain starts to
decipher what’s taking place by making associations with your past experiences. Even
though you clearly do not have enough information to accurately deduce the meaning of
each image, you evaluate and surmise anyway. Telling a story visually is a fascinating
process that can be indispensable in getting a point across when providing an engaging
demonstration that is simple, relevant, and memorable.
Presenting content visually is really not that difficult as long as you identify the
critical points that lead directly to the desired outcome. Just be sure to make your
presentation relevant to the learner by creating a connection to the real world issues or
challenges that they face. It’s often through a well-crafted, visually engaging, and logically
positioned presentation that authentic, long-lasting learning can emerge.
Application of learning objectives becomes more likely if the
learner can make a connection between the course content and
real world issues.
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Logically Arrange the Lesson: Key #3 for Elevating Confidence & Performance
About Learn it Solutions
Our team consists of professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our
expertise is in learning design, multimedia production, and learning technologies. We
incorporate these strengths into a process and product that is designed to produce an
exceptional learning experience that elevate confidence, performance, and profits.
We published this white paper to help anyone responsible for creating online
training and education courses to better understand some of the critical factors necessary
to end the epidemic of boring online courses.
To find out more about creating engaging and dynamic online training and
education courses, feel free to contact us at 877.343.7863 or [email protected].
Learn it Solutions
545 Washington Blvd., 22nd Floor
Jersey City, New Jersey 07310
www.learnitsolutions.com
Learn it Solutions is a business unit within the Verisk Claims & Crime Analytics family of
companies.
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Logically Arrange the Lesson: Key #3 for Elevating Confidence & Performance