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Instructional Design
Project Documentation: Analysis and Lesson Plan
POPP3R CYBERSECURITY, a Winnipeg-based cyber consultancy, aims to equip small businesses, non-profits, and municipalities with top-notch protection against cybercrime. This project focused on creating a comprehensive cybersecurity onboarding training program tailored to these organizations. We were asked to create complementary content to some existing video modules with knowledge quizzes that they were already using. It was a fast and exciting project. During the project I had the privilege to work with two very talented peers, Midori Connolly (who landed us this inspiring client) and Daniel Lara.
Before we started the design process we performed an in-depth analysis of the learner, the task and the requirements.
Conducting a Performance and Learning Analysis is essential for crafting interventions that are tailored, effective, and responsive to the specific needs, abilities, and objectives of the organization and the audience at who the learning is aimed.
We took a systematic approach and through interviews and research got a clear picture of our opportunities and challenges. The outcome was threefold:
#1 - Analysis of Learners and Environment
Learners have diverse cognitive and cultural traits, requiring adaptable training. Main challenges are the varied demographics, job roles, functions, resource constraints, and differing entry levels of cybersecurity knowledge.
#2 - Analysis of Tasks
Task analysis revealed the need for specific training on topics like password creation, phishing identification, and safe data practices.
#3 - Analysis of Learning Requirements
The learning requirements analysis underscored the importance of supporting materials, like job aids, and interactive training configurations.
Design of Lesson Plan
The design addresses not only the tasks, requirements and the learners' diverse backgrounds, it also is mindful of the fact that onboarding training modules of different compliance and job specific content actively compete with each other for time and attention of the learner.
This meant we had to find a unique hook and framing to capture the learners' imagination and grab their attention in non-conventional ways, as we'd learned from looking at Gagné's Nine Events of Learning theory (Gagné et al., 2005). At the same time we wanted to remain respectful towards the content and the learner.
The final version of the lesson plan incorporates a mix of introductory videos, existing educational content, and practical scenarios. A branching scenario assesses learners' skills, supplemented by a branded job aid for task completion.
Project Documentation: Analysis and Lesson Plan
Below you will find the links to the project documentation related to the analyses and design of this project, as described in above sections.
Development of Instructional Materials
Development of complementary content
Adopting principles from Cognitive Load Theory, the content in our project was crafted for ease of understanding and immediate relevance. The materials developed include an introductory video to engage learners emotionally, an e-learning module with branching scenarios for skill assessment, and a script for organizational leaders to introduce the lessons. We also developed a branded job aid to supports learners in task execution, and an implementation plan for the client.
The e-learning design was guided by the C.R.A.P. (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity) principles, ensuring a clean and coherent visual presentation, with color schemes and accessibility features that enhance information clarity for all learners.
Enhancements to existing learning material
The enhanced materials included existing training modules in the form of educational videos from the National Cybersecurity Alliance and accompanying knowledge quizzes. The videos are very well done. The knowledge questions didn't give feedback, so we addressed that too.
The LMS the client was currently using did not support SCORM, so we helped them select a new tool for effective tracking and that would simplify program deployment.
We have recommended to include the existing materials into the e-learning module for ease of delivery.
Final Deliverables - Instructional Materials
Resources, software, and tools
AI scripting and brainstorm: ChatGPT, Google Bard
E-learning software: Articulate 360 Rise & Storyline
Video editing software: Vyond, iMovie, Camtasia
Image/media curation and creation: Adobe Stock, iStock, Firefly, Dall-e, Artlist
Textbook: Instructional Design for Organizational Justice, by Lisa A. Giacumo, Steven W. Villachica, Donald A. Stepich
Reflections
This project highlighted the importance of understanding the learner's environment and needs in instructional design.
Developing a program for diverse groups with varying cybersecurity knowledge was challenging yet rewarding.
It demonstrated the significance of adaptable, inclusive, and accessible instructional design, especially in resource-constrained settings like SMBs and non-profits.
References
Giacumo, L. A., Villachica, S. W., & Stepich, D. A. (2023). Instructional design for organizational justice: A guide to equitable learning, training, and performance in professional education and workforce settings (Version 5 Prototype).
Gagné, R. M., Wager, W., Golas, K. C., Keller, J. M., & Russell, J. D. (2005). Principles of instructional design, 5th edition. Performance Improvement, 44(2), 44–46. https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.4140440211