Media Strategies & Instructional Systems Design (ISD) | Origin: EL101
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Designing and Developing Online Courses --> Media Strategies & Instructional Systems Design (ISD)
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
We live in a modern era where online learning can be written with various types of content as appropriate for both the learner and the material being taught for the best learning experience. We can also use various ways to test the students to check understanding of the material.
One a the things I have learned is that online learning must have a clear and well-organized format. I have seen by myself how poorly structured online courses lose my attention completely, and the same is true for our students. The key is organization and clarity, without shortcuts.
I learned that online content must be consistent throughout the course. Maintaining clear, organized and consistent content in the online learning process for students is important to their success. It should also be diverse for all students to understand and be able to participate freely.
Different media for different tasks....pleases top making long videos. They are just not watched.
Comment on zach Bernal's post:
Zach,
Perfect —teach to the level of your students' learning capabilities. An example is teaching at a different level of understanding for graduate students versus undergraduate students.
Comment on Joe Scobey's post:
Joe,
At the close of the course, we can go back and re-evaluate what worked and didn't work and make adjustments.
Comment on Arzu Arda Kosar's post:
Arzu,
Excellent point you are making. I suggest we be consistent in whatever we do. Students want to be prepared for what is coming with a few deviations. The goal is to have attendance at the meetings.
I learned how different media strategies—like video, audio, and visuals—can deepen engagement and make online learning more dynamic. I already integrate short videos, 3D tools, and museum visits into my art lessons and assignments, and I plan to refine these activities with clearer rubrics and more peer feedback to help students connect their creative work to real-world experiences.
Purpose-driven engagement for online instructors involves creating a supportive, interactive, and relevant learning environment by building a sense of community, clarifying expectations, and using a variety of interactive tools. Key strategies include fostering a strong e-community, making content relatable with real–world examples, and providing timely, actionable feedback.
1. Set the tone early: Use introductory videos from both the instructor and students to create a personal connection.
2. Establish clear expectations: clearly communicate course objectives, rules, and expectations from the start. Next, create a student–centered environment: Acknowledge and validate students’ perspectives and experiences.
3. Encourage student-to-student interaction. Use small group activities, breakout rooms, discussion boards, and collaborative projects to foster peer-to-peer learning.
I agree with self assessment. Since students are working more independently in distance learning, they should have an increased role in the assessment process.
Graphics and multi-sensory learning make a big impact
Multiple types of material can be used in the online learning , the most important is the discussion , as it opens more space for creativity .
Here my highlights from the content, would you like to add some more:
Good teaching principles are format-independent. The foundational principles of instructional design, such as aligning learning activities and assessments with desired outcomes, remain the same regardless of whether a course is taught in person or online. The delivery method may change, but the core pedagogical principles don't.
Instructional Design & Course Components ⚙️
Instructional Systems Design (ISD): Successful online course development relies on ISD models. These models provide a structured approach with four main phases: Analysis, Design, Development, and Evaluation.
Analysis Phase: This phase involves taking an inventory of existing content, identifying what needs to be created or modified, and asking critical questions about the course's structure, technology, and learning activities. The result is a detailed course design specification.
Course Content: Online course components are influenced by the competencies you want students to acquire. This includes incorporating critical thinking exercises and real-world applications to make learning relevant.
Syllabus & Lectures: A syllabus is essential for outlining course goals and expectations. Online lectures should serve as a roadmap and be well-structured, possibly organized by week and topic or lesson.
Learner Engagement & Community 🤝
Multi-Sensory Learning: Use a variety of media like text, audio, videos, and graphics to create an engaging, multi-sensory experience. Short, focused videos (2-7 minutes) are particularly effective for maintaining student attention.
Building Community: Foster a strong learning community to promote peer accountability and collaboration. Use features like discussion groups, Q&A sessions, and group projects to encourage interaction.
Peer Feedback & Teamwork: Provide opportunities for students to give and receive peer feedback using clear rubrics. This not only enhances learning but also prepares students for real-world teamwork and career-long feedback.
Student-to-Student Connections: Encourage connections between students through chats and work groups. This helps combat feelings of isolation and can expand students' professional networks.
Assessment & Evaluation ✅
Authentic Assessment: Assessments should be authentic and align with the course's learning outcomes.
Detailed Rubrics: Provide students with detailed rubrics so they have a clear understanding of evaluation expectations.
Timely Feedback: Timely and specific feedback is crucial. It helps students understand where they went wrong, builds their confidence, and prevents the formation of incorrect thought patterns.
Graphics should enhance learning and be significant to lecturing.
I learned that it is important to define and list the week activities as clearly as possible. Expanding on the details of what content is covered, how it is covered and what course outcomes do each of these activities map to, give a great connection, clarity and help students plan accordingly.
Providing graphics enhances student retention and improves engagement in course materials.
Graphics can go a long way to reinforce prior learning.
The integration of media strategies and instructional system design (ISD) is essential for enriching online courses because it ensures content is engaging, pedagogically sound, and tailored to diverse learning needs.
Throughout this module I learned that online content must be consistent throughout the course. Maintaining clear, organized and consistent content in the online learning process for students is important to their success.
