Instructional Design: A Conceptual Parallel Processor for Navigating Learning Space

Abstract

Instructional design is a process used to generate curriculum, courses, teaching units, and single episodes of guided learning. While instructional design is applicable for curriculum development, and in many types of teaching environments, this is a presentation about how instructional design can be conceived as a way to navigate in spaces dedicated to intentional [or guided] learning. Guided learning is purported to be complex because the student, the content, the media, the teacher, peers, and the context, all interacting within a discrete period of time; while moving toward a common goal. The instructional design concept suggested here is intended to be a way to respond to the complexities of guided learning. The contention is that the fundamental purpose of instructional design is to 1) respond to a performance discrepancy that is attributable to a lack of knowledge and skills, 2) generate learner-centered strategies, and 3) validate the products and procedures used for episodes of guided learning; and to accomplish theses processes parallel to each other.