PodTechs is a start-up podcasting production company located in Washington, D.C..  Our team member approached PodTechs about the idea of producing an instructional module/unit (IMU) for their instructional content.  As a start-up, they had limited capital and were looking for an instructional design firm to formalize and produce their training modules.  To begin the process of analysis, we conducted a series of phone calls that focused on the need for the training. The phone conferences revealed that PodTechs wanted a standardized instructional module that encompassed their production steps and protocols.  Producing a podcast is not just about a recording, but rather a process of planning, scripting, and production using specific templates. The analysis also revealed that the targeted learners were professionals in their fields and had very little experience in producing a podcast.  

PodTechs found that there was a need to provide formal instructional training that would close the skills and performance gap for producing a successful podcast.  PodTechs concluded that a formalized instructional unit will give podcasters a standardized template of instruction that will cover the basics of planning and scripting.  Completing the instructional model will provide novice podcasters a working knowledge of podcasting and prepare them for the next phases of the podcasting production. Completing the podcast IMU will also decrease the amount of time needed for preparation and increase the amount of live experience needed to master the podcasting production. 

PodTechs has identified the primary skills that the IMU will include, such as planning and scripting.  The IMU will develop the subsequent skills needed in the planning and scripting subjects.  As discussed in the Design phase, our plan is to develop a one-hour instructional module using Adobe Captivate 2019. Given that the theme is podcasting, we plan to record audio narration using Audacity.  We also plan to use copyright free images and graphics from Pixabay.com.

For implementation, the IMU will be uploaded to PodTechs website.  Paid members of PodTechs will have access to the IMU. Although the IMU will not be timed, the instructional content will equate to one hour and users will have the ability to access it at any time.  They will need to complete the initial learning modules so that more advanced modules can be unlocked. Quizlets will be developed to track the progress of the user and collect the necessary feedback needed for extra instruction or face-to-face feedback from PodTechs.   

The evaluation process will contain several components.  First, learners will take a post-instructional survey that will assess the quality and effectiveness of the instruction. The survey will be used to determine the positive aspects of the IMU as well as what the IMU could do better.  Second, upon completion of the production process, users will also have the ability to assess the overall experience of PodTechs methodology to include future iterations of its IMU. The survey will focus on the instructional steps, their sequence, and the quality of the content.  For the surveys, we are considering using an online survey instrument such as Survey Monkey. We are also considering using formative assessment during the implementation phase. The assessment would focus on the testing phase of the IMU. The formative assessment will be used to fix any structure or content issues the IMU may have.