As a team of designers, my partner and I developed a learning framework for NATO that would support their global team of workers from a variety of backgrounds. With team members from thirty different countries and various backgrounds, NATO sought a framework they could apply to any training/ learning experience within their organization. We feel confident that we developed a framework that will meet NATO's needs regardless of content.
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Round 1
We were presented with NATO's problem statement through the AECT Design and Development website. Due to the nature of this project we knew we would not be receiving iterative feedback on our work, therefore we decided to design using the ADDIE model. This linear design process would provide structure in helping us find our own solution without user feedback. To begin, my partner and I unpacked the statement to find the core problem that needed to be addressed, and identified key elements that would impact the direction we worked in. I wrote up a project needs analysis, and we began work on our proposal.
Our initial proposal introduced a learning framework that had learners brought together as a learning cohort for a face-to-face interaction before receiving remote instruction from their work sites using mixed methods of synchronous and asynchronous. The learning cohort would continue at the core of their learning experience to unify the team and the organization of NATO as a whole. Design of instruction would be founded on the theoretical framework Constructivism, including the zone of proximal Development and Merrill's First Principles of Instruction.
Round 2
With a total of 35 proposals submitted, our proposal was among the eight approved to continue through to round two. We began work on improving our ideas for a re-submission.
Our initial proposal focused more on a process than establishing a learning framework that could be applied to a variety of learning experiences. To resolve this we sought for a theoretical framework that we could build on.
We centered our gaze on the Logic Model in which we applied the Community of Inquiry as our activity. We defined how learning would be assessed as well as how NATO would measure the success of this framework when applied to their instruction.
Within our framework, both formative and summative evaluations will be woven throughout the learning process. Test-out options will be available for learners to demonstrate evidence of prior competency. However, those attempting to test out, and fail to meet competency requirements, will be required to complete the unit.
Throughout each lesson, learners will face formative assessments on the levels of “knows” and “knows how” on Miller’s pyramid. Once all the lessons in a unit are completed there will be summative assessments that demonstrate “shows how” or the application of knowledge in practice. A similar assessment will be completed at the completion of a tier to demonstrate that the learner has gained the skills and knowledge necessary to receive more responsibilities as they move onto the next tier.
Moving Forward
While NATO began by seeking an eLearning framework to support its new ETF, we have created a learning framework that can be used by NATO for all of their training needs. Regardless of who the learners are, where the learning is taking place, or how long the course will take, this framework can be applied to any of it.
Founded on the logic model, NATO can identify the needed inputs, activities, and outputs to reach their desired outcomes. By utilizing Community of Inquiry to support their learners, individuals will be supported in their learning from multiple directions. Learning will become more personal and therefore more meaningful. As instruction is assessed and evaluated regularly, courses will be better prepared to meet the needs of each learner, and learners will be more prepared to demonstrate their knowledge in assessments.
This framework is sustainable in regards to both time and money. While there will need to be time and money designated for applying this framework, it will pay off in what is saved long term. As individuals are strengthened, teams, and the organization as a whole will be strengthened and better prepared to strengthen the nations they serve.
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