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Reflection

Michelle Knox
When I began this course and saw that the project would including designing some form
of training content, I spoke with my supervisor about some areas that my organization could use
some training. He knew immediately that fire safety training was the most important topic for the
organization, as it is mandatory and at present, no form of fire safety training exists. We
discussed different delivery methods, but due to staffing concerns, decided upon a computerbased training module. I agreed that a CBT would be valuable for the fire safety information, but
I believe that hands-on instruction is necessary for fire extinguisher training. However, within the
constraints provided by my supervisor, I have designed the training as self-instructional only.
Because most of the employees do not have computer experience, I decided to use a narrated
PowerPoint for instruction with very little navigation needed by the user.
I selected the motivational theories of experiential learning, choice theory and the ARCS
model because the motivation for knowledge regarding fire safety extends beyond the
workplace. Many of the employees have families, and the knowledge gained from this training
will be easily transferred to their homes. Because the training is entirely for adults, it was
important to find ways to engage them in the learning process and tie in ways this information
will be useful for them in the future. It was also necessary to allow them control over the
learning at a pace that works for their skills and their schedule as there is such a varying level of
skills in the workforce.
I used behavioral theory, cognitive learning theory, conditions of learning, and adult
learning theories. It was necessary to utilize continuous reinforcement as the platform of
learning, a CBT, may be difficult for some users and because the information builds upon past
learning to complete a full training program. Because there are limitations to CBT, distinct
examples will be shared with clear explanations to cater to different learning styles and ensure

Reflection
Michelle Knox
content mastery. To be sure the adult learners are engaged in the learning, the conditions of
learnings nine instructional events of learning, including gaining the learners attention,
providing clear objectives, linking new learning to prior learning, and providing feedback
regularly will also be employed.
I think its really difficult to choose which learning theories I subscribe to because I find
some merit in most of the theories and because I havent had an opportunity to utilize them and
see how they work for me on the job. Because my career goals include adults rather than
children, I focused most of my learning efforts on theories specifically for adults such as
andragogy. Gardners multiple intelligences, while interesting, seems only to explain different
learning styles rather than how to create an effective training program. I think Gagnes
Conditions of Learning is an excellent framework for the course design itself and is probably the
theory I refer to most often. However, it lacks any association with a needs assessment and
analysis, thus I must also use ADDIE model to employ these theories in some fashion. I think
ADDIE is a great learning tool for those, like myself, that are new to the profession, but I see
some limitations in the practical uses for it as well. The world works too fast for ADDIE to be
processed as designed. Successive approximation model, or SAM, addresses the limitation in
ADDIE as far as I can tell, but I havent had the opportunity to use it in my career as of yet. I
think the best trainers/designers will utilize a mix of several different theories that meld well
together to create effective training programs.
I think the learner characteristics would affect the project quite a bit if I had control of the
training parameters. For example, I dont believe that a CBT module is the best method for fire
safety training at my organization. Most of the workers do not use computers as part of their
daily tasks, and many do not even have a computer at home. Less than 20% of the employees

Reflection
Michelle Knox
have more than a high school education, many of which did not have computers as part of their
education. Because of this, there are already some issues with the CBT module for those that
have anxiety with online training programs. Further, as part of a survey done last year, 32% of
the employees indicated that they do not learn well from self-instructional models. However, in
this case, the project stakeholder has decided how to proceed, and therefore I as the designer
must create a program within the given parameters that will have the greatest level of project
success. If my role in the organization were different, I may push to explain why this is not the
best method and suggest more effective alternatives.
The task analysis would affect the learning theory employed based on the type of
training. For example, if the task analysis presented itself in a way that could be done entirely
online, I would reference theories such as Criterion Referenced Instruction from Mager.
However, if it was determined that the content was very procedural and difficult to master via
online or self-paced instructional content, I would want to look into theories that reference
experiential learning or social learning theory.
Either way, I do think there is some necessity to have a model in place or a systematic
approach to all training projects. In general, when you utilize a system or model, there is less
chance that important bits of information will slip through the cracks, thus creating mediocre
training projects or unsuccessful return on investment for the training project.
I am not currently in an instructional design or training role, so while I dont think I will
be able to utilize the information from this course in my current position, I did find it very useful
as I continue to search for a career in the training industry. I was able to better articulate my
understanding of learning theories and how to approach training solutions during interviews
already while still in this course. In the past, I have used my knowledge to explain myself, but I

Reflection
Michelle Knox
now have better capability to spell out the exact theories when describing my style as a trainer
and designer. I think this was due particularly to the time spent determining the competencies for
instructional design, both in the first week, but also in the time it took evaluating my own skills
and finding resources to improve my skills. I think being able to locate quality resources is a skill
needed to excel in any profession, and that project forced me to find references and resources
that will have value throughout my career.
As far as how this course will impact my instructional design, I believe it has provided a
plethora of resources to refer to while creating and updating training programs. I like the CDD
document as a systematic approach to begin a training project as well, and will continue to
reference that to be sure I have addressed all the potential parts of a training program in the
future. In some ways, I have always been the SME with any training I have done, so Ive never
had to be an outsider looking in on the subject matter. With the fire safety training I started in this
course, I had an average set of skills, but had to take time to talk with a firefighter to get better
quality information, and I think that is a skill I will definitely need throughout my career. It was
difficult for me to ask for help on the content as Ive never had to do it in the past, but I was able
to locate a great resource and practice my social skills in doing so.
I still think I have a lot to learn about creating effective training programs, but Im most
interested in learning more about learning management systems and instructional design
software. I will be using Lynda.com for some tutorials on some of the software such as Captivate
and Articulate Storyline 2. Ive already downloaded a trial version of Articulate Storyline 2 and
intend to use it to finish the fire safety training program I started in this course.

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