"Don't just complain about the world - do something about it!"

CONNECTIVISM INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN METHOD

This new way of looking at learning software also necessitates a new way of doing instructional design, one that is simpler and active. We have created the CIDM method (pronounced "send'em") to address how to design activities for the New Vision software, although it can also work with any LMS program. And, hey - if WYSIWYG can be pronounced "wiz-i-wig" and GUI can be pronounced "goo-ey", then we can pronounce CIDM "send'em".

Goals
First, you start off thinking about the goals, outcomes, etc. that you want your students to accomplish with any activity, or the course as a whole. Think higher order, active goals - not spitting facts back at you.

Activities
Next, determine what activities the students will do to accomplish those goals. Think social and collaborative as much as possible.

Platform
Finally, determine what minimum information or content students need to begin with as a platform to start on that activity. Think micro-lecture here at most - 3 minutes or so of the basic information that they need to get started.

GETTING STARTED

First of all, before you get too much farther, make sure you have read the essential reading listed below. This series of blog posts is where this whole crazy idea started.

If you are not already familiar with the learning theories listed below, please make sure yu get a basic understanding of each one.

Once you are familiar with all of that, check out the demo introduction section to see what this "new vision" would look like. This is what we have so far - all smoke and mirrors that so far doesn't actually work, but soon we will release an open-source project that will get the ball rolling. (the tab above leads to the demo itself - see the introduction section only if you are unfamiliar with the demo)


Coming soon: a discussion area to share ideas and brainstorm how to get this new system rolling.

ESSENTIAL READING

LEARNING THEORIES