This project aims to resolve wayfinding challenges in Hamden Public Library by developing dual instructional outputs using the ADDIE model: (A) a wayfinding map for patrons, and (B) a short online course on map editing for staff.
Specifically, it aims to achieve the following objectives:
To conduct a front-end analysis (needs, learner, context, and task analyses)
To design instructional materials by identifying primary instructional approach to be used and devising a constructive alignment matrix
To develop instructional materials anchored on learning theories based on the plans made in the design phase
To formatively evaluate the instructional materials through expert review and usability testing
To implement and summatively evaluate the instructional materials using Kirkpatrick’s Model of Evaluation
This project also aims to contribute to the realization of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills.
The wayfinding map may bring patrons, both youth and adults, closer to resources that they can use to develop relevant skills. Moreover, the online course may equip library staff with skills in map editing.
Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
The wayfinding system, particularly the digital version, is a tech-enabled improvement to library infrastructure which may enhance patrons' access to information and services.
Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all.
The wayfinding may may promote greater inclusion for non-English-speaking patrons and underserved groups since it may incorporate universal icons that are easy to understand regardless of language.
Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.
The collaboration between me, as a private individual, and Hamden Public Library may serve as a model for future community-based partnerships.
Based on the results of the analysis phase, two (2) design cases were identified:
1) Patrons struggle to navigate the library independently.
2) Library staff are not able to update the library map.
To develop instructional solutions for these design cases, a project plan was designed using Biggs and Tang's (2009) constructive alignment theory as the framework. The intended learning activities, the approach, strategies, and methodologies adopted, and the theoretical underpinning are presented in the following section.
Since this is more of an informal learning experience that doesn’t involve any form of formal instruction, the matrix is designed to present only the single key learning objective of the instructional material and the summative assessment that will be implemented during the pilot testing phase of the map.Â
The learning objective uses the verb navigate, which falls under the psychomotor domain of Bloom's Taxonomy. In terms of learning activities, learners shall skim through the labels and read the frequently asked questions. According to Dale’s Cone of Experience, these activities represent iconic experiences, as they involve interacting with verbal and visual symbols. Lastly, the assessment, which is the Navigation Task, may fall under the Direct Purposeful Experience level of Dale’s Cone of Experience. It is also aligned with the identified instructional approach (i.e., self-directed learning) and is also a form of non-traditional assessment that is authentic, as it engages learners in a real-world task.
Table 3 presents the constructive alignment matrix for library map.
Table 3. Constructive Alignment Matrix for Wayfinding Map
For the wayfinding map for patrons, the primary instructional approach used is self-directed learning (SDL) because most of the learners are adults and according to Knowles’ adult learning theory, adults are self-directed individuals who want to feel that they are in control. According to Garrison (1997), SDL consists of three (3) dimensions: 1) self-management, 2) self-monitoring, and 3) motivation.Â
Self-management refers to the learner’s ability to set their own goals. In the case of the patrons, as identified in the needs analysis, each individual enters the library with a destination in mind (e.g., meeting room, restroom). Thus, patrons are inherently setting their own goals based on their immediate needs.Â
Self-monitoring involves the ability to track and assess one’s own progress. According to the context analysis, the library has signages on doors and bookcases; this would allow patrons to confirm on their own whether they have reached the correct destination. Â
Motivation is the internal drive to engage in and complete a task. Based on the learner analysis, the patrons are intrinsically motivated, as they come to the library with a specific purpose (e.g., attend an event, find a book, use a computer). Task analysis also revealed that patrons only need to complete three (3) simple steps, which shows that formal instruction is unnecessary. Instead, intuitive instructional design that can be used independently is best suited.
Starting with the objectives, these were developed using Bloom’s Taxonomy. The first goal uses the verb outline, which may fall under the Remember level. The second goal uses the verb demonstrate, which may fall under the Apply level. The third goal uses the verb create, which falls under the Create level, which is the highest level in Bloom’s hierarchy. This progression shows that the objectives are designed to build from lower- to higher-order thinking skills.
Moving forward to the learning activities, these are designed in accordance with Dale’s Cone of Experience. For Objective 1, which uses the verb outline, the learning activities mostly focus on symbolic experience such as reading and recall tasks. For Objective 2, which uses the verb demonstrate, the activities focused on iconic experiences wherein learners primarily watch video demonstrations and tutorials. For Objective 3, which uses the verb create, the activities move toward the base of Dale’s cone, which focuses on direct purposeful experiences. These include interactive scenario-based tasks and real hands-on activities, where learners do the real thing.Â
Lastly, the summative assessment evaluates whether learners have achieved the objectives, particularly through a scenario-based assessment called the Map Maintenance Mission. In this assessment, learners engage in an interactive role-play conversation with a character named Millie, who represents a co-worker that has made changes to the library layout. Millie prompts learners to recall the necessary steps and decide which actions to take based on the described scenario. After which, learners are tasked with creating an updated version of both the printed and digital library map based on the changes described by Millie in their conversation. Once they complete the updated map, they are prompted to either self-assess or ask a peer to assess their output using a provided rubric. This assessment is non-traditional and is grounded in constructivism, as seen in the use of real-world authentic tasks and the integration of self-reflection through self- and peer-assessment.
Table 4. Constructive Alignment Matrix for Online Course
For the online course for employees, the primary instructional approach used is scenario-based learning because most of the learners are adults and according to Knowles’ adult learning theory, adults need to understand the relevance and real-world value of what they are learning (Malik & Khaliq, 2017). This choice is also grounded in the findings from the needs, learner, context, and task analyses. The needs analysis showed that employees must learn how to update the library map due to frequent layout changes in the library. This makes a scenario centered on a library layout change highly relevant. The learner and context analyses revealed that employees are intrinsically motivated to perform well and support patrons, so a scenario that taps into this affective motivation is especially effective. Task analysis indicated that the specific steps to update the map vary depending on the type of change needed. This further supports that scenario-based learning is best suited, as it allows learners to practice deciding which actions are appropriate for a specific scenario and which are not.