ETEC 6243 Advanced Instructional Design

Project Description:
Abstract
During ETEC 6243, I worked with a group to create materials for the University of
Arkansas International Students and Scholars Program. Through discussions with the Office of
International Students and Scholars contacts, a pre-departure online orientation is needed for new
incoming international students who will be attending the University of Arkansas. The portion of
the project that we focused on was understanding the U.S. health care system and how the
University insurance works and knowing the University Police as a resource. For the success of
this project, we utilized tools such as PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, and
Articulate Storyline 2. These tools proved to be very pivotal in creating a tool that the
International Students and Scholars Program could fully utilize.

During ETEC 6243 Advanced Instructional Design I was given the opportunity to work
with the International Students and Scholars Department at the University of Arkansas. This
project was an opportunity to work with an organization and create instructional materials by
creating an online source for future students. During this project we met with the department by
way of email, phone calls, and video chats. Most members of the group working on the project
were not local so these forms of communication made working on this project possible.
During the meetings the department explained exactly what it was they wanted. They had
a vison about a site for international students that would help to transition them to university life
prior to arriving on campus. Multiple objectives were developed for users after the completion of
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ETEC 6243 Advanced Instructional Design

the module: 1) Navigate Blackboard 2) Prepare for academic system and classroom environment
in U.S. higher education 3) Understand what to expect regarding course registrations after arrival
4) Understand the U.S. health care system and how the University insurance works 5) Be aware
of resources and ways to healthier lifestyles at the U of A 6) Know the University Police as your
resource 7) Have a better understanding about living environment in Fayetteville 8) Be better
prepared for the transition to your new life in Fayetteville 9) Gain knowledge about immigration
regulations that are important for as an F1/J1 student. The main areas they wanted to focus on
was number 4 healthcare, number 5 wellness, and number 6 campus safety. To gather the
content for each area, meetings, phone calls, and emails were utilized in order to gain as much
knowledge as possible. We learned that normally when a group of international students first
come on to campus they attended a lecture that covered all of these topics. We were able to gain
information on each topic in order to properly instruct newly attending students. This new
instructional material would help students retain more information and become more familiar
with campus life before arriving on campus. The campus safety section covered cultural
differences such as smoking, drinking, and driving. The healthcare and wellness sections covered
many services that were offered at the Pat Walker Healthcare Center. These sections also
discussed insurance and trips to the doctor and emergency room.
Once the content was collected we used storyboarding to organize the information.
Using storyboarding as a tool we were able to organize all of the information that was to be
placed into the instructional material. After the material we organized, we utilized PowerPoint
to create a mock presentation for the International Students and Scholars departments
approval. Once we gained the approval Articulate Storyline was used to create the first version
of the interactive instructional material. Time constraints prevented the completion of the entire
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ETEC 6243 Advanced Instructional Design

design process for the International Students and Scholars department. But by following the
design process, the team will provide enough information for another instructional design team
to pick up where we left off. Scripts and narration have been created in preparation for another
instructional designer to collect and add these components at a later date. After the completion
of the health care module users will be able to: describe the components associated with health
insurance and understand the Universitys health insurance plans available, Describe the
necessary information needed about ones medical history, identify the required immunizations
and tuberculosis testing, describe the different avenues available to schedule an appointment,
and explain ways one can stay healthy while attending the University.

Program Identification:
Standards Development
2.1 Appropriate use of print materials in order to enhance the learning process
English will most likely not be the native language for students who utilize this
instructional material. Each of the slides have accessibility features that assist learners with
language barriers. Text goes along with the slides and videos and is available for print. The slides
give the learner a visual representation of what is being discussed in the text. This can include
images, videos, and additional text boxes. This will help the learner to read the text from a hard
copy as they are hearing what the video says. Also, there are interactive maps that help the
students locate their way around the campus. These maps are available for print so it will allow
the students to take the maps with them to locate the areas they need around campus. The
printable maps help the students locate the way across campus. Having a map in a ready

ETEC 6243 Advanced Instructional Design

available location with their most commonly visited locations can help the learners adapt to a
new area.
2.2 Integrate instructional materials that utilize two or more forms of media
Various forms of media will be used in the development of the International Students
and Scholars orientation eLearning product. Illustrative characters, images, and graphic
elements such as buttons, icons, and shapes have been used to create the mock up presentation
to provide a visual representation of the orientation for the storyboard. These forms of media
were integrated into the PowerPoints slides as well as the Articulate Storyline. The media is
able to help the learner further understand the information as well as keep their attention while
using the module. This provided our clients with a realistic idea of what an eLearning product
could do for the orientation. Audio will be collected for voiceover on the instructional text.
Video will be used in areas of the orientation, as well. Stock images from the University of
Arkansas database will also be used.
2.3 Create visual materials that enhance the learning process
The project for the International Students and Scholars program was an online e-learning
source. The online instructional material included illustrative characters, images, and graphic
elements such as buttons, icons, and shapes have been used to create the mock up presentation to
provide a visual representation of the orientation for the storyboard. This provided our clients
with a realistic idea of what an eLearning product could do for the orientation. The visual
materials that were created include interactive images of people and buildings. These images
help the students learn about the campus prior to arriving at the university. The images helped to
enhance the learning and retention by showing the learners actual locations on campus. The
images also helped to motivate the learners about things they had to look forward to after
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ETEC 6243 Advanced Instructional Design

arriving on campus. The images included photos of actual buildings on campus, actual students
taking part in daily activities, and actual members of the University of Arkansas staff that work
in the respective buildings. By using actual real life images the international students will
become more familiar with the locations and people they will have interactions with once
arriving on campus. When students become more familiar with the locations they will be
traveling to and the people they will be interacting with, they become more confident in
completing the daily tasks. By allowing students to familiarize themselves with campus they will
reduce the amount of time they are searching for locations and help improve overall academic
performance. The main visual principle that was addressed was similarity. By continuing the
theme of relevant campus buildings and keeping the same design throughout, it expresses
continuity throughout the document.
2.4 Use Flash and/or similar types of computer-based software to create interactive media
presentations
For this project Articulate Storyline was utilized. This software helped us to create
interactive slides that the students could utilize. These images help the students learn about the
campus prior to arriving at the university. On the interactive map, students are able to click on a
location and it take them to further images of that building. For example, by clicking on the
building name Pat Walker Heath Care Center it would take them to more images allowing the
students to familiarize themselves with the building. Other interactive slides allowed students to
receive further details on subjects such as health care, health insurance, and campus security.
After the end of the module the students would be able to understand the U.S. health care system
and how the University insurance works, they would be aware of resources and ways to healthier
lifestyles at the U of A and they would know the University Police as valuable resource.
2.5 Engage students using a variety of instructional materials

ETEC 6243 Advanced Instructional Design

This project utilizes voice over readings of text on instructional slides. This helps learners
who may not be able to accurately read the information on the slides. Along with the content
included in the project, videos will be utilized to help further the instruction. PowerPoint and
Microsoft Word are also utilized in ensuring that the learners are able to comprehend the
material. This project also includes various maps and images to help the leaners understand the
information. By adding sound and visuals to text slides, the learner will become more engaged.
These additions help the learner to stay focused on the information longer. If only a text slide
was present, the learners are more likely to skim the material and go to the next slide. However,
with the addition of voice over readings and images. The learner can look and the images while
the text is read to them.
Utilization
3.1 Utilize and implement various media
Various forms of media will be used in the development of the International Students and
Scholars orientation eLearning product. Illustrative characters, images, and graphic elements
such as buttons, icons, and shapes have been used to create the mock up presentation to provide a
visual representation of the orientation for the storyboard. This provided our clients with a
realistic idea of what an eLearning product could do for the orientation. Audio will be collected
for voiceover on the instructional text. Video will be used in areas of the orientation, as well.
Stock images from the University of Arkansas database will also be used.
3.2 Develop a web-based project for the disseminations of media-based learning
The Office of International Students and Scholars has requested that the instruction be
delivered virtually through the Blackboard system that University of Arkansas uses. This will
allow students from around the globe to access the pre-departure orientation modules in an
asynchronous environment. Students in remote areas will access the instruction via online
through this learning management system before they arrive to attend classes at the University.
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ETEC 6243 Advanced Instructional Design

After the end of the module the students would be able to understand the U.S. health care
system and how the University insurance works, they would be aware of resources and ways to
healthier lifestyles at the U of A and they would know the University Police as valuable
resource. Specifically, after the completion of the health care module users will be able to:
describe the components associated with health insurance and understand the Universitys
health insurance plans available, Describe the necessary information needed about ones
medical history, identify the required immunizations and tuberculosis testing, describe the
different avenues available to schedule an appointment, and explain ways one can stay healthy
while attending the University.
3.3 Develop and implement effective policies related to the utilization, application, and
integrations of media-based learning in a specific institutional or organizational context
This project was an example of learning that utilizes technology in multiple
environments. Since this instructional material is going to be utilized using Blackboard, it will be
easily accessible in any location. Students are able to utilize the information and solve problems
they would face when arriving on campus. Students are able to use the instructional materials in
remote locations independently. The students of the International Students and Scholars Program
were provided with media-based resources that included online and print material to ensure
successful comprehension of this project. The students using this e-learning module have to be
current or future students of the University of Arkansas. The students have to be enrolled through
the International Students and Scholars Program. This module will also be integrated into the
Blackboard system and the U of A. Therefor prior to the utilization of this module the students
have to have access to the universitys Blackboard as well as the skills to navigate this program.
Also, since the instructional material will use Blackboard all of the Blackboard polices will be
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ETEC 6243 Advanced Instructional Design

implemented. These policies include the proper usage of all Blackboard tools such as email,
discussion boards, blogs, as well as all interactions with other students and teachers. Students
have to understand that the interactions on Blackboard are treated just like they would be in a
classroom. There always needs to be text etiquette when speaking to a fellow student or teacher
online. Students have to learn how to utilize Blackboard to its fullest capabilities without over
stepping the boundaries of formal communication.
3.4 Identify and address barriers impacting the utilization and implementation of media-based
learning methods
With online instruction there can be multiple barriers. One of the main barriers would be
technical issues. Using technology there can always be problems. This project requires the use of
internet to reach the required materials. Not being able to access the material would be a true
barrier impacting the learners. To address these barriers learners would have to ensure they have
reliable access to internet. To do so, test items could be sent to the leaners prior to completion of
the instructional material. Ensuring that learners are able to access Blackboard would help to
reduce the chances of not being able to access the instructional material. With media-based
learning methods there can also be barriers pertaining to the section 508 accessibility standards.
To address section 508 accessibility standards, additional types of media were put into place.
This included the voice reading of text that was on the screen. This would help users who could
not read the text on the screen clearly. Also the addition of text boxes showing the text from
videos would help learners who could not clearly hear the sound from the videos.
Educational Reflection:
This project I was able to learn a lot about media-based learning. During this project I
was able to learn more about how to use different types of media to help the learners understand
the content. There were various forms of media that was used in the development of the
International Students and Scholars orientation eLearning product. Illustrative characters,
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ETEC 6243 Advanced Instructional Design

images, and graphic elements such as buttons, icons, and shapes have been used to create the
mock up presentation to provide a visual representation of the orientation for the storyboard.
Each of these were useful in making the lesson more interactive for the student. It helped to keep
the students engaged while learning the material.
This project proved to be very insightful for my current job. I feel there are areas where
web-based instruction could prove useful to the company. Currently in the new software that is
being implemented there is not a standard set for a person who is hired after the implementation
team leaves the plant. The new hire is trained by the current members at that location. I feel that
there is a need to create an interactive program that helps to teach the software. The new
instruction could give the employees step by step instruction as well as interactive lessons that
allow the employee to attempt examples. This would help for the new hires feel more
comfortable with the software and become more useful to the company.