Converting Instructor-led to e-learning Example
Maintaining interest and involvement without an instructor
Challenge
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) engaged ARI to build interactive Web-delivered courses to introduce students to the principals and procedures for air worthiness certification of aircraft as well as the aircraft maintenance process. The source material for the courses was based on content that consisted largely of technical white papers and briefings as well as a multitude of referenced policies and procedures.
Instructional designers were challenged with transforming material scattered throughout numerous white papers, regulations, and directives from both the Air Force and the FAA into an engaging and effective course.
Approach
Project Requirements
AFIT required strict adherence to established style and design guidelines, SCORM, and Section 508 compliance, as well as integration into the their in-house learning management system.
ARI Approach/Strategy
At the foundational level of the courses, conceptual animations were designed in the context of the student's work environment (i.e. an aircraft hangar, runway, and/or maintenance facility) using audience analysis. This strategy provided an immediate and direct link between subject matter and student.
Working with Subject Matter Experts
The courses were developed under the watchful eye of USAF subject matter experts given the highly specialized nature of the content. The ARI team created course storyboards and reviewed those with USAF subject matter experts for feedback prior to proceeding to full development of the online courses. Frequent communication occurred throughout the development process including weekly team conference calls to review the completed and upcoming work efforts and tasks at hand.
Building in Interaction
The highly technical and procedural nature of the subject matter required a great deal of creativity to keep the online student engaged and motivated to complete the training. ARI successfully employed a number of creative tactics to support this effort.
Example of Interactive Conceptual Animation
You can view a short clip of this course by clicking here.
Click hereAssessments
The online learner is completely dependent upon the course materials to provide ample opportunity to gauge the level of understanding of each topic. In response to that need, ARI varied the elements of instruction to provide rich content assessments coupled with frequent user engagement. All assessments are required elements of completion for the courses.
Drag-and-Drop Assessment
Business Results
ARI completed all courses within the timelines and guidelines established by USAF, and has been deployed system-wide.
Award recognition
The course received a Distinguished Award at the Society for Technical Communications STC 2005-2006 International Online Communication Competition in recognition of instructional design and development standards.