Designing for a Synchronous Learning Session
By Jennifer Hofmann

When creating a design plan for a live online learning session, the instructional designer must keep the needs of many different individuals in mind. They include the following key players:

• the Subject Matter Expert, who needs to be able to determine that content is being communicated effectively
• the Media Producer, who needs to understand the context of the media he or she is producing
• the Instructor, who needs to have a script and understand how the technology is being used in context with the content
• the Participants, who need materials that complement the training program, and resources to extend the learning beyond the individual session
• If you're using a Stage Director to manage the live event, that person needs to know the big picture and have "stage directions" that are clear and concise.

It can be a challenge to create a plan that meets the needs of all these individuals. One method is to create an Interactivity Plan, a table that contains the following columns:

• Step
• Time Reference (cumulative/step)
• Topic
• Content Reference
• Step Objective
• Instructional Method
• Screen Design
• Additional Media Notes
• Supporting Participant Materials
• Choreography/Script
• Production Notes

This is a large table (I use legal-size paper to print), but it can be a great design template for your team. The following details each component of the table.

Step. The step column looks for a number (1, 2, 3...). This identifies the point in the process. It's helpful for everyone involved because you can refer to a specific step when reviewing the design document.

Time Reference. There are two ways to track time. The first is cumulatively. For instance, at step 23, you should be 45 minutes into the program. Tracking time this way provides cues to the instructor that he or she is on track, and tells the stage director what he or she should expect during the next time block. The second way to track time is by step. For example, introductions might be step 5, and it might take 10 minutes to accomplish. You should decide up front which way of tracking time would provide the most value to your project.

Topic. This column represents the general content area you're covering during the step. For example, if you're teaching general anatomy, "Nervous System" might be an appropriate topic. The topic may be repeated for multiple steps.

Content Reference. This column is especially helpful if you're designing a course using an existing set of materials. It allows the team to cross-reference content easily. In the case of our anatomy class, we might reference a textbook by indicating "Gray's Anatomy, page 66."

Step Objective. The step objective provides the point of the current activity. An example could be "To provide participants a definition of the nervous system." When a topic is repeated multiple times, the step objective really comes in handy.

Instructional Method. Are you using an interactive whiteboard exercise? A polling question? Lecture? The instructional method column identifies the "how."

Screen Design/Additional Media Notes. These columns describe the eventual visual presentation in a text-based format. For example, you'd note here whether the instructional media is a Flash animation or a PowerPoint slide. You can also take notes about what fonts and colors you'll use. This is a takeoff point for the storyboarding process.

Supporting Participant Materials. As you are designing each activity, you should make a note about what participants need in front of them--not on the screen--to be successful. Do they need a calculator? PowerPoint slides? Case studies? Identify these items now so they don't get lost in the process.

Choreography/Script. The choreography column identifies what the instructor needs to do (launch whiteboard, advance slide, and so forth). The script identifies what the instructor needs to say. This column is the start of your instructor guide.

Production Notes. "Where are we going to get the photos?" "Do we need a plug-in for sound?" "Maryellen will be responsible for the participant guide." These are examples of what you might place in your production notes column. It's a place that indicates that a flag or follow-up is needed.

This Interactivity Plan is a working document that will evolve with your project planning. It provides an at-a-glance framework of where you are and what you need to create a successful program.

Published: March 2000