Patrick Murphy Learning Design and Technology
Course Type
The primary course type is information, which focuses on conveying facts about a specific topic. This course type is most appropriate, given that the knowledge, skills, and attitudes gap is essentially about the organization and its capabilities. Neither procedures, problem-solving, nor task-related functions are the source of the gap, eliminating other course types. The initial target audience is current, mid-level managers and supervisors within the organization, whereas the subsequent target audience would be new members.
Note: If successful, the mini-course can be adapted as an onboarding tool for new learners with less prior knowledge of the organization.
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The primary learning objective is for learners, given that a customer identifies a need, to recall information about other parts of the organization that support that need and describe them to the customer. The secondary learning objective is for learners to compare and contrast other parts of the organization and identify how their job supports or relates to those parts. Given these objectives, the mini-course is designed to make learners more well-rounded assets to customers of an organization with a robust portfolio, while building a stronger sense of organizational identity among learners. The mini-course provides facts on a specific topic while familiarizing staff members with the organization.
Course Modality
Given the following considerations, the modality for this mini-course itself will be asynchronous online, with a blended approach for additional, self-directed learning. In simpler terms, the mini-course is provided online, with the option for learners to access "bonus material" through direct interaction.
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The target audience prefers autonomous, self-paced learning that fits into their busy schedules. Given that the topics are fact-based and less conversational, asynchronous online delivery is preferred, but it also offers opportunities to connect with subject-matter experts (SMEs) to address learners' additional questions.
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The organization uses “Ethos” for all online training, which is operated on the Cornerstone learning management system. The learners also use Ethos for discussion forums and for collaboration and virtual communication via Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
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The mini-course is designed to build awareness and identify nodes of information for learners to link to. Once exposed to the information through an asynchronous mini-course, the learners will be introduced to other learners and SMEs for ongoing dialogue beyond the mini-course.
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Given that the Ethos system is already established, providing accessibility to a variety of learners’ needs should not be an issue.
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This also addresses the question about the technical skills needed by the learner. Using a system learners are already familiar with makes it easier for them to become familiar with the mini-course. This system is also accessible from both the learners’ work assets and their personal assets, should they decide to learn from home.
University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Identifying a course type and modality. Brightspace. https://leocontent.umgc.edu/content/umuc/tgs/ldtc/ldtc605/2262/unit-3-/identifying-a-course-type-and-modality.html?ou=1378426
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