About Our Model
Needs Analysis
Our consultation process starts with assessing the needs of both client and learner. We call this a "Needs Assessment." Our distance learning needs analysis model is based on A Teacher's Guide to Distance Learning by Dr. Ann Barron. As per Barron's model, we divide needs assessment into four smaller analysis phases: course analysis, audience analysis, instructor analysis, and technology analysis. Every step of the way, we include our client in the process and evaluate our findings.Course Analysis
During course analysis, we determine what portions of content would most benefit through distance learning. Specifically, we examine where clients find their current instructional material lacking and whether or not those issues could be solved through distance learning.Audience Analysis
In this phase we look at a client's intended audience and how instruction through distance learning would be delivered to them. Not everyone is best served by instruction through distance learning, and so we examine the audience to make sure they would be able to make the most of content delivered online.Instructor Analysis
In addition to the audience, we examine the instructors and support team. Even for fully automated online courses, supervisors and technical support should be on hand to assist learners if necessary. We take a look at the client's present affairs in regards to staff to determine how best to move forward.Technology Analysis
There's not just one single type of distance learning, even for online instruction. Taking together what we learn from evaluating the course, audience, and instructors, we then determine the best methods and technological applications to deliver instruction to the client's learners.Outline Goals and Content Production
Once we've conducted a thorough needs assessment, we can begin with producing instructional materials. At Flash Packet, our aim is to produce e-learning that employs technology in ways that are as unobtrusive as possible.Instructor Training
Regardless of whether the course will be taught with an instructor or performed completely through automated software, the staff needs to familiarize themselves with the e-learning package before it is deployed. To that end, Flash Packet works with a client's instructors, supervisors, and tech support personnel to make sure they have plenty of practice with the content.After the staff is familiarized with the new e-learning content, we conduct a test run in order to verify that all involved hardware and software is working correctly and that the staff is both comfortable and effective in their roles.