My first significant project was to build a website. This was my first attempt at web design and instructional design. I chose to design and develop a site on a topic of personal interest, which is the art and sport of Dressage. Dressage has existed for thousands of years. Countless books and videotapes have been written and produced on the subject. However, if you aren't a “horse person”, it is not likely that you have heard of Dressage. I needed to ask the questions: How could I economically convey the basic tenents, facts and philosophies to people who know nothing about the world of Dressage, and make it interesting?
Using the ADDIE model, I prepared a proposal of my intentions, did an audience analysis, designed my web pages from my storyboard creation, developed content (keeping the “non Dressage”audience in mind), conducted usability tests (one with a Dressage SME and two non-SME's) and made adjustments based on their feedback.
I adhered to the principles of Contrast, Repetition, Alignment and Proximity when designing my website. To reduce the load on short-term memory, I strived to convey the information as succinctly as possible, choosing what I thought to be the interesting and pertinent jewels of information .I also utilized Clarke and Mayer's e-Learning and the Science of Instruction contiguity principle by combining text and graphics to help the content become more real (Clark & Mayer, 2006). I inserted examples of “best practices” so that people could see what the horse and rider looked like if they adhered to the training principles. I also used one of the CLAM strategies by including related links for message extension (Rossett 2006).
I still remember giving my presentation in the 541 class. I realized that I loved the combination of creating content and the art of making it pleasing to the eye. However, it was quite some time before I realized that I was indeed “Doing Instructional Design!”
I volunteered to manage the School of Teacher Education website a few years ago. In fact, that was the catalyst for starting my EDTEC program. I wanted to learn web design so I took the prerequisite 541 class. From there, I was addicted to learning more.
When I embarked on this project, the website was in a less than desirable state. The first thing I attempted was to redesign the site to have a “look and feel” that emulated the SDSU and College of Education sites. This was before the implementation of the currently approved SDSU templates.
I feel that this project satisfies both the technical and communication competencies. My experiences in the design and development of the site have taught me a great deal about instructional design. In addition, I have gained technical expertise in web design along the way.
The Non-Designer's Web Book (Willams & Tollett , 2000) was chock full of helpful, easy-to-understand technical tidbits to help with web design. I have utilized web development strategies such as the C ontrast, R epetition, A lignment, and P roximity principle. I have also learned technical processes such as creating graphics and rollover images. As with any site development, I tested html pages in both MAC and PC's and with several browsers.
At the beginning of this web development, I collaborated with the Chair of the School of Teacher Education (STE) on content and organization of the site. It wasn't until some time later that I began to learn more about instructional design and methods for succinctly conveying information via a website (Clark & Mayer, 2006).
Credential admissions consists of a plethora of prerequisite requirements and a somewhat convoluted application process. I have attempted to present vast amounts of information in a streamlined and user-friendly manner. Over the years I have made various informational materials and forms available for both faculty and students, which has reduced personnel and resource expenses for the department.
Because managing the STE website was only a portion of my responsibilities, I have not been able to put as much time and energy into it as I would have liked. Further improvements I would like to implement are installing a search engine, making the application submission process electronic, adding video highlighting some of the positive aspects of our credential programs, and adding student testimonials for a more personal touch.
Always keeping the audience in mind, I have attempted to present information so users can easily navigate through the site and get the information that they need. I try to adhere to the principle of users being able to find what they need with a minimal amount of “clicks”. Feedback from faculty, staff members, and the public have helped guide me in the continual revision and evaluation of the site. As with my experience developing a website for Booz | Allen | Hamilton , the concept of presenting information as efficiently as possible is always foremost in my mind (Clark & Mayer, 2006).
