Instructional design is a crucial aspect of creating effective learning experiences, and Western Governors University (WGU) is no exception. As a leader in online education, WGU has developed a set of best practices for instructional design that cater to the unique needs of its students. In this article, we will delve into the world of instructional design and explore the best practices that WGU employs to create engaging and effective learning experiences.
The Importance of Instructional Design
Instructional design is the process of creating learning experiences that cater to the needs of students. It involves analyzing learning objectives, identifying appropriate learning strategies, and selecting suitable instructional materials. Effective instructional design is essential for creating learning experiences that are engaging, interactive, and effective.
WGU's Instructional Design Best Practices
WGU's instructional design best practices are centered around creating learning experiences that are student-centered, flexible, and effective. Some of the key best practices include:
- Student-Centered Design: WGU's instructional design approach is centered around the needs of its students. The university uses a variety of tools and techniques to understand the needs and preferences of its students, including surveys, focus groups, and learner analytics.
- Competency-Based Education: WGU's competency-based education approach focuses on measuring student learning outcomes rather than seat time. This approach allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace and focus on developing the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.
- Personalized Learning: WGU's instructional design approach includes personalized learning pathways that cater to the needs and preferences of individual students. The university uses a variety of tools and techniques, including adaptive learning software and learning analytics, to create personalized learning experiences.
- Microlearning: WGU's instructional design approach includes microlearning, which involves breaking down learning content into shorter, more manageable chunks. This approach allows students to focus on developing specific skills and knowledge rather than trying to learn large amounts of content at once.
Creating Effective Learning Objectives**
Learning objectives are a critical component of instructional design. They provide a clear roadmap for what students should know and be able to do after completing a learning experience. WGU's instructional designers use a variety of techniques to create effective learning objectives, including:
- Bloom's Taxonomy: WGU's instructional designers use Bloom's Taxonomy to create learning objectives that cater to different levels of cognitive complexity. This approach ensures that learning objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
- Learning Outcomes: WGU's instructional designers focus on creating learning outcomes that are specific, measurable, and achievable. This approach ensures that students know what they need to do to succeed in their programs.
Selecting Instructional Materials
Instructional materials are a critical component of instructional design. They provide students with the information and resources they need to succeed in their programs. WGU's instructional designers use a variety of techniques to select instructional materials, including:
- Textbooks: WGU's instructional designers select textbooks that are relevant, current, and engaging. The university uses a variety of textbook formats, including print, digital, and online resources.
- Multimedia Resources: WGU's instructional designers use multimedia resources, such as videos, podcasts, and interactive simulations, to create engaging and interactive learning experiences.
- Open Educational Resources: WGU's instructional designers use open educational resources (OERs) to create learning experiences that are flexible, affordable, and effective.
Assessing Student Learning**
Assessing student learning is a critical component of instructional design. It provides instructors with the information they need to determine whether students have achieved the learning objectives. WGU's instructional designers use a variety of techniques to assess student learning, including:
- Formative Assessments: WGU's instructional designers use formative assessments to evaluate student learning throughout the learning experience. This approach allows instructors to identify areas where students need additional support and adjust their instruction accordingly.
- Summative Assessments: WGU's instructional designers use summative assessments to evaluate student learning at the end of the learning experience. This approach provides instructors with a comprehensive picture of student learning and allows them to make informed decisions about student progress.
Gallery of Instructional Design Best Practices
Frequently Asked Questions
What is instructional design?
+Instructional design is the process of creating learning experiences that cater to the needs of students. It involves analyzing learning objectives, identifying appropriate learning strategies, and selecting suitable instructional materials.
What are WGU's instructional design best practices?
+WGU's instructional design best practices include student-centered design, competency-based education, personalized learning, and microlearning.
How does WGU assess student learning?
+WGU assesses student learning using formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments evaluate student learning throughout the learning experience, while summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of the learning experience.
By following WGU's instructional design best practices, instructors can create learning experiences that are engaging, effective, and tailored to the needs of their students. Whether you're an instructor, a student, or simply someone interested in instructional design, we hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and information.