Our Learning Methods

Our ISD Process Creates Results

Clients tell us that what they value most about Hollinger Group is our Instructional Systems Design process. This process ensures quality while saving our clients time and money. ISD is at the heart of everything we do. Let's take a look at the phases in this process.

Analysis Phase

The analysis phase determines the training needs and objectives. Different types of analysis are needed depending on the project.

In the analysis phase:

  • The instructional problem is clarified
  • The instructional goals and outcomes are established
  • The learning environment and learner's existing knowledge and skills are identified

Design Phase

The output of the design phase is the Design Document, which includes:
  • Learning Objectives: Describes in measurable terms what the learner will be able to do on completion of the training.
  • Content Outline: Contains all content needed to support the learning objectives.
  • Training Environment: Defines audience, equipment and resources needed for the training.
  • Development Parameters: Outlines the projects requirements for:
    • Budget
    • Staffing
    • Time
    • Scheduling

Development Phase

The training package is fully developed during this phase and includes:
  • Testing: Tailored to the meet the learning objectives.
  • Lesson Materials: Includes all training and any supplemental material.
  • Quality Review: Pilot test the training for usability, accuracy and performance.
  • Finalizing Training: Completed revisions before implementing the program.

Implementation Phase

Implementation requirements (how, when, where) are determined at the beginning of the project.

 

After the pilot test and resulting revisions are completed, the training is implemented according to the plan determined in the Design Phase.

Evaluation Phase

The four-level evaluation model is used to determine the effectiveness of the training:
  • Level 1 - Learner Reaction: Surveys how valuable the training was to the learner.
  • Level 2 - Learning: Pre-test - post-test assesses knowledge gained.
  • Level 3 - Job Application: How well the learner applies the training on the job.
  • Level 4 - Results Evaluation: ROI on the company's investment in the training.

Benefits of Blended Learning

e-Learning and blended training provides learners and their organizations many benefits, including:
  • Increased learning: Multimedia uses two or more of the senses to exponentially increase learning and comprehension. The use of sight, sound and interaction maintains interest and aids understanding.
  • Self-pacing: Learners control the rate at which they learns, which allows learners to skim material they are already familiar with or spend more time with information that is new.
  • Self-checks: Learners assess their progress throughout the course with questions and activities. Self-checks provide a preview of the final test, retain interest through interaction, and provide the learner confidence that they understand the material by answering questions like:
    • Do I know the information?
    • What should I review again?
    • Am I ready to move on?
  • Testing: Ensuring learners have learned the required information can be assessed through a final test or through activities that demonstrate learner knowledge. Testing makes the learner accountable for their learning.
  • Record keeping: Using the computer to track employee training information can help manage training records. Each tracking system can be designed for a client's specific needs.
  • Cost effective solutions: including online components to your learning eliminates some expenses associated with classroom training.
  • e-Learning: Because e-Learning is self-paced, employees can often spend less time in training, and thus less time away from the job. The more people you need to train, the less the cost per student.
  • A consistent message: A planned and consistent approach ensures all employees receive the same information.
  • Flexibility to meet unique needs:
    • Programs are easy to update.
    • The same training can be delivered in multiple languages.
    • Programs can be developed to utilize existing equipment.
    • One application can be designed for different skill and knowledge levels.