We all make mistakes.
I made some too. Reflecting on those mistakes has helped me correct them in the
long run.
Here are some
mistakes that resulted in completely ineffective training programs:
1. Ignoring the big picture: It's
important to consider the actual learning environment in which the training
will be deployed. "The customer did not share the details" is the
common excuse we hear. There's always an opportunity to ask, except that it has
to be done at the right time, which is usually the beginning of the project.
2. Letting SME(s) guide the development:
SMEs are content experts, but "we" are instructional designers.
Orienting SMEs in the right way is our responsibility.
3. Implementing everything that the
customer says: Sure, the customer is paying for the training. But, it's our
responsibility to make it effective. Most customers are not instructional
designers. Educating them in the right way helps achieve a win-win situation.
4. Leaving the design to
media/construction teams to implement: Support teams are there to support
us, but "we" are the owners. No matter how detailed instructions we
write, we need to get involved in the entire life cycle to get our vision
translated to the final product.
5. Adding complexities to make it
"different": In an effort make our courses different or provide
something new, we often end up making things complicated. We add elements to UI
to make it look "different", and the same elements make it difficult
for the learner to navigate. We add unwanted features to make the instructional
strategy different, and the same features make comprehension difficult. Keep it
Simple. That's the key.
Great initiative! All the very best!!!
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