APPLIED COGNITIVE RESEARCH AS THE BASIS FOR A COURSEWARE DESIGNER SUPPORT TOOL

During this Phase II study Instructional Systems R&D (ISRD) will develop and test a software tool designed to assist novice instructional designers and SMEs. The tool, called the Courseware Designer Support Tool (CDST), is based on the innovation of aunique cognitive model of expert instructional design practice identified by ISRD during the Phase I study. The CDST will help users follow an expert approach to instructional design, including application of expert-level design knowledge during theinstructional design process. The CDST will provide instructional design guidance and process support with a special emphasis on the design of computer-based and distance learning environments, the use of advanced instructional strategies, and the designof text and graphics for optimal instructional effectiveness. The Phase II technical objectives include developing the CDST, developing instructional design guidance content for use in the CDST, and field testing the CDST in a military training applicationarea. The CDST will provide SCORM-compatible content objects, and will be a useful front-end content design and development tool for a variety of instructional authoring and delivery systems.