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The IST Solutions Institute creates Online IST courses based on a custom, four-tier instructional design model. The team within the IST Solutions Institute manages all facets of Online IST design, development, delivery, and support. The design process is a highly collaborative one that integrates all team members and faculty/ corporate subject matter experts. The Institute team has reduced design and development time because of this innovative approach. In addition to the online course materials, the team has designed several complimentary components that serve to extend and support the reach of Online IST.

The primary components of our eLearning initiatives can be reviewed below. Please take the time to explore the details of what makes our approach so successful. If you have any questions pertaining to working with the Institute please contact us.

Our Methodology

We utilize our own four-tier instructional design and development process that helps ensure the end result is what was originally desired. The process has been designed with teaching and learning as the core outcome, so it focuses on the needs of the audience first and foremost. Our process has been tuned in higher education and has been validated in the corporate sector through our work with clients such as Infinity I/O and Lockheed Martin. Our process relies on four tiers and is based on a revision foundation. The tiers of our process consist of:

By tying our project management strategies to our methodology, we can ensure that the project will be completed on time, within scope, and on budget.

Our Tools

The foundations of the Institute's initiatives are built on our custom design and development model using the D3 System. These models are based on proven instructional systems design models merged with product development theory. There is a synergistic relationship between our process and technology tools. It is a distinguishing characteristic of the Institute that our content management initiatives have been in place for years and are used in an actual production environment.

The tools and the methodologies were created in tandem so they support one another throughout the courseware creation process. Our tools, when separated from our methodologies are not nearly as powerful. This is not to say that the D3 toolset is not a powerful authoring environment, but rather it is the core technology that supports us as we move through our methodology. D3 handles tasks, scheduling, and course publishing to enable a very streamlined design, development, and revision cycle.

The Digital Design Document Instructional Systems Design as applied to eLearning

Our team's experience is rooted in Instructional Systems Design theory. We have applied this knowledge to create “best in breed” eLearning solutions that meet the learning needs of students and provide a solid teaching basis for faculty. In addition, Instructional Technology Specialists within the Institute ensure that media is used to target multiple learning styles based on course learning goals.

Multimedia and Visual Design, Authoring, and Application Development

The IST Solutions Institute has a unique ability to bring its technology solutions to life using creative design techniques. Our learning repository is filled with interactive activities that extend the thought leadership of the content. Without these media elements, it would be impossible to capture the attention of our primary audiences. All of the initiatives related to Online IST are managed using web applications for authentication, delivery, and communication.

Teaching, learning, and creative expression are core to the IST Solutions Institute’s mission. These elements form the foundation on which all projects are based. The obvious focus on teaching and learning occurs within the Online IST curriculum. Unique, problem-based learning models ensure that students are engaged in motivating, real world scenarios. In addition, student and faculty evaluation allow us to constantly improve the learning environments, as well as to research emerging trends and best practices for online learning.

Fostering creative thinking is critical to the overall success of the IST Solutions Institute. To this end, team members are encouraged to engage in “design experiments” several times per year. These experiments allow members of the Institute the creative space to envision new solutions without the constraints of project timelines. Many of these design experiments make their way into actual projects delivered to both internal and external audiences. The only requirement of the design experiment is documentation and presentation of results to the entire team.

Although we pride ourselves on our ability to compete in the corporate sector, the IST Solutions Institute's work is grounded in the spirit of higher education. Our direct ties to an academic department provide the underpinnings of teaching, learning, research, and service for all of our initiatives. While our production capabilities rival those in business, our main focus will always be on improving teaching and learning and creatively advancing our field.

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