Module 5: Using Personas and Maps to Craft Instructions
Overview of Module 5/Week 5 of Class
Overview of Topics
We have previously examined different aspects of the users (audiences) for which we create materials. In so doing, we have used methods such as interviews to develop resources/tools in the forms of user personas and user script-prototype maps. Such resources serve as a guide for creating materials for a particular user group (i.e., persona) based upon an understanding of who the members of this group are and where, on average, they engage in certain activities and use items to achieve related objectives. Ideally, such tools allow us to develop products the target audience (intended audience for an item) can use easily and effectively in a given setting.
Instructional materials are a prime example of materials that can benefit form an understanding of personas and script-prototype expectations. Ideally, the creators of instructional materials (e.g., instruction sets, quick reference cards, instructional videos, DIY podcasts) can use personas and script-prototype maps to create guidelines individuals can use to readily perform a process and successfully achieve an objective. This week, we will examine how to apply the results of user-based research to develop such materials. In so doing, we will also examine how to assess learning in terms of usability (i.e., determine if and how well an individual has learned how to perform a process).
In examining these issues, consider
Such aspects are often central to applying user-related research to create materials that meet the needs and expectations of different groups and develop products they consider "usable."
We have previously examined different aspects of the users (audiences) for which we create materials. In so doing, we have used methods such as interviews to develop resources/tools in the forms of user personas and user script-prototype maps. Such resources serve as a guide for creating materials for a particular user group (i.e., persona) based upon an understanding of who the members of this group are and where, on average, they engage in certain activities and use items to achieve related objectives. Ideally, such tools allow us to develop products the target audience (intended audience for an item) can use easily and effectively in a given setting.
Instructional materials are a prime example of materials that can benefit form an understanding of personas and script-prototype expectations. Ideally, the creators of instructional materials (e.g., instruction sets, quick reference cards, instructional videos, DIY podcasts) can use personas and script-prototype maps to create guidelines individuals can use to readily perform a process and successfully achieve an objective. This week, we will examine how to apply the results of user-based research to develop such materials. In so doing, we will also examine how to assess learning in terms of usability (i.e., determine if and how well an individual has learned how to perform a process).
In examining these issues, consider
- How individuals need to develop different kinds of instructional materials based upon the context in which audiences perform activities and use different materials to engage in various tasks
- How important it is to determine an audiences background and familiarity with both a topic and the tools used to apply information relating to that topic in order to use instructional materials effectively
- How the formatting of a instructional/training materials need to reflect who the users of such materials are and where they use instructional products to perform activities
Such aspects are often central to applying user-related research to create materials that meet the needs and expectations of different groups and develop products they consider "usable."
Other Module 5/Week 5 Materials
To access other materials for Module 5/Week 5, click on the related link below