The instructional design should take into consideration all aspects of the instructional environment. It should be viewed as a system, a relationship among and between all the components of that system--the instructor, the learners, the material , and the technology.

When instruction is designed within a system, learning take place. For that reason, instructors need to integrate instructional design that will benefit the online learners.

Instructors can integrate audio and pictures to defined concepts or to identify the purpose of the object e.g. Identifying computer parts and functions. This can be done using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Using pictures and audio is an asset to the online environment; it reduces the necessity of having to contact the instructor for clarification.

Using visuals gives the online learners the ability see and hear the purpose , meaning, or concept of an object or device which makes it easy to make a connection to the assign task. Using visuals and sounds, makes it possible to meet several learning styles.

Benefits of multi-media using sounds and pictures:

An instructional design principle that will better assist the distance learner is: Multi-Media—Sounds, Audio, and Pictures

A second instructional design principles that will better assist the distance learner:

Screencast: Videos

Using videos are great for the online environment and the learners. Videos can be use to give examples or steps for completing an assignment especially with the separation of the instructor. It can also be used for a tutorial to meet the needs of the learner preriquiete skills, or to learn a concept, etc,

Using screencast is easy and free from Jing and it can be downloaded from: http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html.

Screencast: Videos

Improves knowledge transfer and appeal. The VARK guide to learning styles suggests there are four types of learners: visual, aural, read/write and kinesthetic. Adding video to an online course is a significant help to both the visual and aural learners who might not have the same understanding by just reading the material.

Enhances understanding. Videos can be use to help explain a point, giving you the ability to simultaneously show your audience what you mean as you explain the concept.

Screencast: Videos

Reduces training time. In addition to enhancing learning, video can also reduce training time. It’s easier and takes less time to watch a well-made video than it does to read through pages of dense text or complicated diagrams to grasp a concept.

Demonstrates how products work. Without video, it can be very difficult to demonstrate to learners how a product works in the real world; a video can bring the product to life for learners.

A third instructional design principles that will better assist the distance learner: Podcast

Benefits of using podcast:

With the use of podcast a teacher can use multiple learning styles in a single form.

Teachers can combine all three types of learning styles into one format, this helps to teach a wider range of students.

Students are able to be creative.

A third instructional design principles that will better assist the distance learner: Podcast

Benefits of using podcast:

Podcasting is a good tool to help develop the children's critical analysis and reflection skills.

Educators can deliver more in depth content then they can by simply giving lectures or showing slides.

Teachers can have the children interact; include sound effects or music to help enhance the learning experience.

A third instructional design principles that will better assist

the distance learner: Podcast

An instructor can use Podcasting to give step by step instructions on how to create a project, a concept, learn a program and more. To create a Podcast the following is needed: video program, video recorder, music editor, microphones, and a place to post the Podcast. For free music editor click on the link below:

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/

A fourth instructional design principles that will better assist the distance learner: Visual and Text

Benefits of using visual and text:

The information can be printed and used at anytime.

Does not require training to use.

Multiple learning styles are met.Click to view

Visual and Text

Scenario-based learning, is a active learning strategies, engages learners in interactive scenarios or case studies, either as reflective observers or as active participants which increases learning. The software functionality can be quite complex. It requires specifically designed software that goes beyond what current LMS environments can offer.

In recognizing these generic features of scenario based learning, a team based at The University of Queensland has developed a suite of software tools to enable teachers and trainers to easily develop interactive multimedia scenario-based lessons, which can be delivered to learners via CD, DVD or online (The University of Queensland, 2012).

Scenario Based Learning

Scenario Based Learning

http://www.uoguelph.ca/peartool/

PEAR (Peer Evaluation, Assessment and Review) is an online peer review application, developed by Teaching Support Services (TSS) at the University of Guelph, which helps instructors facilitate the peer review process.

In an academic setting, the peer review process is beneficial to the learner and instructor because it is employed to maintain standards, improve performance, and provide credibility.

Click to view PEAR

BlueVolt's Blog, n.d. The Benefits of Video in eLearning, 1-Nov-2012, Retrieved from:

http://www.bluevolt.com/company/blog/2011/06/benefits-video- elearning

Ascilite, Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, Volume 28, Number 7, 2012

Retrieved from: http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet.html

http://www.magnapubs.com/newsletter/distance-education-report/archive/

Distance Education Report, n.d. 1-Nov-2012, Retrieved from:

References

How to Wiki, n.d. Add a Sound to a Presentation, 1-Nov-2012, Retrieved from:

http://www.wikihow.com/Add-a-Sound-to-a-Presentation-in-Microsoft-

PowerPoint-2007

ReferencesPEAR - A Peer Evaluation, Assessment and Review Tool, 2-Nov-2012,

Retrieved from: http://www.uoguelph.ca/peartool/

Using Podcasting in Education, Benefits, n.d. 1-Nov-2012, Retrieved from:

http://www.businessknowledgesource.com/technology/using_podcast

ing_in_education_benefits_028226.html