1	A Model of Expert Practices as the Basis for a Courseware Designer Support Tool (CDST) Instructional Systems Research & Development, inc. Fredericksburg, Virginia www.ISRD.com
2	Overview Introduction Study Abstract Technical Objectives Milestones Deliverables Further Information / Demo
3	Introduction Contract The research reported in this Final Report was funded as a Small Business Innovation Research award administered by the Office of Naval Research, Division of Cognitive, Neural and Social Research (Training). The original title of the study was “Applied Cognitive Research as the Basis for a Courseware Designer Support Tool.” Author Kurt Rowley, Ph.D. Phone: (540) 286-3642 E-mail: kurt@isrd.com Web: www.ISRD.com
4	Introduction Research Team
5	Study Abstract Purpose of Study To provide a research-based instructional design tool to support non-expert courseware developers Method A multi-stage ‘Design Experiment’ to study the practices of expert courseware designers. A series of three ‘try-outs’ were conducted to define and elaborate a model of expert practices. A total of 25 expert designer informants were involved in all stages of the study. Research Goal The goal of the study was to produce a software tool to assist non-expert courseware developers, including subject-matter experts (SMEs), and others, in using expert instructional design methods.
6	Study Abstract Results The study revealed a common expert process that includes the construction of rapid prototypes, and the opportunistic use of key instructional design activities.
7	Study Abstract Results (Continued) The study revealed 8 success factors and provided expert recommendations for the use of 10 research-based instructional strategies for courseware. A model of the expert courseware design process was created, tested and refined through 3 try-outs. The final version of the model included a software support system with 111 instructional design worksheets and 24 lessons in instructional design. The software support system was reviewed in a limited internal try-out, and found to be helpful in facilitating the courseware design process.
8	Study Abstract Discussion & Conclusion The study results provide evidence that an expert process does exist and can be used to create a support tool for non-expert courseware designers. The three try-outs provided details about expert instructional design processes, designer knowledge and skills, team processes, and the use of a rapid prototyping process The expert model of instructional design that was identified and elaborated in this study was successfully rendered as a software support tool (the CDST) The CDST may be effective in streamlining and improving the design process required for the development of effective courseware. Additional testing of the CDST should be conducted.
9	Technical Objectives Project Goals by Phase Phase I Utilize Cognitive Research Methods to Identify Expert-level Knowledge and Skills of Successful Courseware Designers Develop a taxonomy of design advice topics Phase II Elaborate the taxonomy Develop a Support Tool for the Task of Courseware Design through a series of prototypes and try-outs Phase III (currently unfunded) Large-scale test of the Courseware Designer Support Tool (CDST) in multiple field-based courseware development projects
10	Technical Objectives Project Deliverables A ‘Courseware Designer Support Tool’ (CDST) A software system to advise and support non-traditional instructional designers through a pragmatic process of instructional design that has been derived from expert practice CDST Software Components User interface (Windows-based software program) includes data input by user, and system prompt to guide users through the expert process of instructional design (worksheets that facilitate the process) Software to support and advise the user and ensure that the user considers elements of instructional design that are relevant to their particular courseware design needs CDST Content Materials Examples, design guidance and advice, design document templates, worksheets, and basic instruction in instructional design
11	Deliverables CDST Software The CDST with all of the planned features has been delivered to ONR (October, 2004) CDST Software CDST Content (included in the software) Features of the CDST: Basic course introducing the expert process of ISD through an 24 lessons with examples of the 10 proven instructional strategies Reference model with links to CDST resources (similar to a ‘site map’) helps user track and manage the overall expert instructional design process Basic Advisor system helping the user select CDST functions to use while following the expert ISD process (branching with multiple questions)
12	Deliverables CDST Software Features of the CDST (continued) Total of 111 worksheets that help the user work through the expert process of instructional design for courseware Prototyping tools to assist with rapid review of designs Addresses Success Factors of Expert Courseware Design identified during the Phase I study through a ‘Basic Instruction’ lesson, and through the Advice system Supports 10 Proven Research-based Instructional Strategies through 10 ‘Basic Instruction’ lessons and 40 Worksheets Supports Instructional Design Tasks through 88 Worksheets
13	Further Information / Demo For Information about ISRD and/or the CDST ‘Beta Test’ program (Phase III), see www.isrd.com For other questions, contact Kurt Rowley: Kurt@isrd.com The Phase II final report is available from ISRD, and is also included with the CDST Demo of the CDST (Flash Animation will run in your Browser, requires Macromedia) The demo of the CDST also included in the CDST as a ‘quick tour’ of the software (see ‘Basic Instruction’ lesson 1.2)