Designing for Learners

Aside from learning styles and preferences, what else should we take into account regarding learners or our audience in designing instruction?

This week our group discussed instructional design. We were presented with a case study which involved an experienced instructional designer and a new professor and her students. It was interesting to see everyone's opinion on the subject. Some of us shared the same perspective on some of the questions and some of us had different opinions on others. It was nice to see everyone's input because in the end all of our different perspective would provide the new professor with some helpful feedback and suggestions.

From personal experience I think you need to take into consideration age, gender, learning style and demographic backgrounds. I also think if you have the opportunity too, you should try to get to know your learners or audience beforehand. Is English some of the audiences second language? What is their experience with the material you will be presenting or instructing on? Will you be presenting this online or in a classroom? I also think you need to consider how much time you will have in order to present your material. I think it would be a good idea to have a schedule of what you plan on presenting if your presentation is going to last longer than a day. People will want to know what you will be covering and if you can give them an idea of what to expect you might be able to keep their attention longer. In your schedule I would include break times as well.