MIT 500: A Self-Instructional Module
		Project Reports Appendices Instructional Product Print-based Companion to Product

Context & Conditions:

“Burning a CD using Roxio Easy CD Creator,” a self-instructional module, was completed in the fall semester of 2005 in partial fulfillment of a course entitled: MIT 500 Instructional Systems Design: Theory and Research. Under the guidance of Dr. Mahnaz Moallem this module was designed for university faculty to teach themselves how to back-up their personal computer data using Roxio Easy CD Creator. 

Scope:

This project entailed the analysis, design, development, and evaluation of a self-instructional module. The module was developed using PowerPoint and distributed on CD. Formative evaluation was conducted at the one-to-one and small group levels with the results affecting the final iteration of the module. A product plan was completed which covered all aspects of the project including: the executive summary, needs assessment, instructional goals, theoretical orientation and rationale, learner’s entry behaviors, performance context, performance objective and assessment instruments, instructional strategies, results of one-on-one evaluation, results of small group evaluation, and planning and implementation log. This project was completed within one semester. 

Role:

I served as one half of the project team. Throughout the project each of use acted as an:

Instructional Designer

As instructional designers, we conducted the front end analysis which included the needs assessment, learner, environmental, and instructional goals analysis. Based on the results of the front end analysis we designed and developed learning goals, performance objectives, assessment strategies, assessment items, and instructional strategies. We used Roger Schank’s Learn by Doing theory (also known as Goal Based Scenarios) to guide our design of instruction. In the development of the product we used Dick, Carey and Carey’s Systems Approach for Designing Instruction (2005) model as a framework.

The self-instructional module taught UNCW faculty members how to back-up computer files to CD using Roxio Easy CD Creator, a program which comes standard on all UNCW owned computers. The module included a pre-test, step-by-step activities each with a review, and a posttest. Faculty members were able to progress through the module at their own pace, on their own computer, while using Roxio Easy CD Creator. 

During development of the module, we conducted a formative evaluation in a one-to-one and small group setting and used to results to revise the instructional module. 

Graphic Designers

As graphic designers, we created graphics, and designed the self-instructional screen, using Macromedia Fireworks. The module was developed and delivered using Microsoft PowerPoint to promote learner comfort. 

Subject Matter Experts (SME)

Because my partner and I had burned many CDs using Roxio Easy CD Creator we also served in the role of SMEs. 

Reflection

This class was my introduction to instructional systems design and set the foundation for all of my other courses in the graduate degree program. Needs assessment as a formal process was something I had never thought about before this class. I distinctly remember analyzing the results of the one-to-one and small group evaluation to discover exactly what needed to be modified. After completing this class I recognize that the more work completed in the needs assessment stage means less revision in the formative evaluation stage and a better product overall.