Instructional Design: Tools, Techniques, & Strategies
Instruction Section Pre-Conference
American Library Association Annual Meeting 2005
June 24, 2005
Evaluating Instructional Materials
I
Instructional Materials and the Academic Librarian
Academic librarians may design instruction in one or more of the following formats:
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Orientation tours
Course-integrated instruction
Library or information technology workshops
Faculty development workshops or brown-bags
Lifelong learning programs
Materials that might be developed to support such instruction include:
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Database guides
Subject guides
Web pages
Tutorials
Question: in what other formats do you design instructional materials, i.e., materials that
you prepare either to support your own teaching, the teaching of others (librarians or
classroom faculty), or self-instruction?
II
Matching Medium with Instruction
Instruction may be delivered through multiple media. An early design decision will be the
composition of you instructional materials. Among those you might choose from are:
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Instructor
Overhead transparencies
Charts
Audio
Video
Printed text
Hands-on tutorial
Web page
Microsoft PowerPoint
Each has strengths and weaknesses, and each can complement the other as long as the
choices are in sync with learner characteristics, instructional objectives, and available
resources.
III
General Suggestions for Developing/Evaluating Instructional Materials
A) Make it Concrete
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illustrate abstract concepts
use active verbs
include examples
B) Control the Step Size
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use consistent terminology throughout the material
make explicit references to what has already been learned
consider learner characteristics when planning for step size
C) Use Appropriate Pacing
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include an appropriate number of examples or exercises with each idea
D) Maintain Consistency
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terms (e.g., index vs. database, journal vs. magazine)
spelling
E) Use Cues
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iv.
v.
objectives
overviews
headings
type face
layout
Source: Morrison, Ross, & Kemp (2004)
IV
Criteria for Evaluating Web-Based Instructional Materials
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The instructional design is pedagogically effective, i.e. it teaches well according to the
scope and stated learning objectives
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The technology used to create the material enhances the learning experience
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This material provides instruction using technology in an innovative manner
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The content and language of the material are clear and effective
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All information included within the material is accurate
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Organization of the material is clear and easy to use
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This material demonstrates unique or creative use of graphics, examples, interactive
elements such as programmed feedback and flexible learning paths
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This material is relevant to those outside of the developer’s institution because it presents
a model for other developers
Source: PRIMO: Peer-Reviewed Instructional Materials Online Selection Criteria (2005)