Our Solutions 
Online Training
Laptop showing a graphical representation of the ADDIE model, Phase 1: Analysis, Phase 2: Design and Development, and Phase 3: Implementation and Evaluation
CAIT uses an instructional systems approach called ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) to frame the development of all its eLearning projects. This model is grounded in both research based methodologies and practical experience. As every web-based instructional project is different, the use of such a model provides for a level of consistency to ensure a quality product. (See Our Approach to learn more about ADDIE).
Driven by the client…
The specifics of the instructional approach are driven by the client's expectations and the needs of the learners/users. This instructional development approach allows for a dynamic interchange between the content experts, managers, and veteran instructional specialists at CAIT.
Designing online instruction
When designing online instruction, CAIT considers the audience needs, content being delivered, and performance expectations specified. Prior to designing instruction:
- the needs/challenges have been identified;
- the desired content/resources to address the need has been identified; and
- the instructional objectives have been identified.
Once the need, content, and objectives have been determined, CAIT works with Subject Matter Experts and other key personnel to determine appropriate sequence of content and the instructional strategies needed to meet the identified needs of the audience.
CAIT has utilized a variety of instructional strategies with past clients that allow the end user to learn new concepts, practice what they learned, and assess what has been learned.
When designing instruction, CAIT feels it is important to:
- define the intended outcomes/desired behaviors of the learner;
- present new concepts in interesting ways to motivate the learner;
- put instruction into an appropriate context that is authentic to learner;
- provide users the ability to interact with content when learning new concepts;
- allow users to practice what they have learned, take risks, and receive feedback based on their choices;
- provide consistent reinforcement features such as Tips, Key Terms, FAQs, Learning Checks, etc.; and
- assess what has been learned.
Appropriate technologies and methodologies will be chosen based on the content, the technology requirements or limitations, the specific needs of the learners, or business concerns. A complete palette of tools is available for use in design and development of the instructional element, such as engaging graphics, photographs, audio, music, video, a wide variety of instructional animation techniques, text based content, and simulations. CAIT will coordinate all media such as animation scripting, photo shoots, video shoots or audio recordings. Appropriate instructional/presentation tools will be chosen based on the needs of the project. The nature and scope of the content will define the web-based instruction.
We at CAIT feel, when developing effective online instruction, you must understand how adults learn best and what motivates them.
Below are the key characteristics of adult learners:
- Adults are autonomous and self-directed.
- Adults have accumulated a foundation of life experiences and knowledge that may include work-related activities, family responsibilities, and previous education. They need to connect learning to this knowledge/experience base.
- Adults are goal-oriented.
- Adults are relevancy-oriented.
- Adults are practical, focusing on the aspects of a lesson most useful to them in their work.
- As do all learners, adults need to be shown respect.
