Our Approach to Instructional Projects

Learning can be defined as a relatively permanent change in what a person knows or is able to do. This change occurs through experiences that meet known conditions of learning. Instruction can be defined as the purposeful creation of experiences so that learning can most effectively occur.

LetterPress Software's approach in each technology-based learning project is to apply the science of instruction to the design and develop of innovative learning and performance solutions. Our approach is systematic and customized to meet our client's needs. A few key factors are listed below.

Expertly Analyze Needs: LetterPress will work with you to...
- develop an appropriate project scope and schedule
- clarify what the learner needs to know or be able to do
- assess relevent learner characteristics and environment
- review what technologies are accessible to the learner

Scientifically Design Effective Instruction: LetterPress will...
- design activities for measuring instructional success
- design the instructional paths for learner
- determine the range of appropriate learning experiences
- select specific strategies that will meet the conditions of learning
- consider the appropriateness of iComponents (see sidebar)

Creatively Develop Engaging and Appealing E-Learning: LetterPress will...
- creatively develop simulations, tutorials, games, and performance activities
- review the visual design and functionality of early prototypes with you
- use learner appropriate technologies
- produce easy-to-use software and off-line resources that change behavior

Efficiently Implement Instruction: LetterPress will work with you to...
- replicate and distribute media
- implement e-learning resources into your existing infrastructure

LetterPress Software uses a highly effective and efficient approach for creating many of its educational and training products. When appropriate, we capture specific instructional strategies into preprogrammed teaching engines. LetterPress designers have unique expertise and over a decade of experience in applying principles of instructional science to real world applications.

iComponent Q & A

Q: What efficiencies can LetterPress bring to e-Learning projects?

A: For more than a decade, LetterPress has been a pioneer in the design and development of instructional authoring systems for rapidly prototyping and delivering e-Learning. We call these our iComponents.

Q: Tell me more about iComponents. How might they be used in a project?

A: Early in each project, LetterPress designers will explore opportunities for mapping your content and performance needs to research-based "instructional transactions."

Where possible, we use or create teaching engines, or iComponents, that encapsulate a complete instructional strategy for delivering a speciifc type of learning activity. Multiple presentation and practice activities exist within an iComponent.

Q: Describe a few examples of iComponents in use?

A: Project that have a broad content scope but limited range of instructional strategies are ideal. For example, one iComponents was used to develop product-line training and then reused for other product lines. Another "teaching engine" was created for reading vocabulary and then reused for multiple elementary school grades.

Projects of any size that map to our existing iComponents are also an excellent way to improve your ROI. The use of iComponents for developing technology-based instruction leads to instruction that is dynamic, effective, consistent, and efficient.

To discuss examples of iComponent use, and/or how your specific learning needs might benefit from an iComponent design and development strategy, please contact LetterPress today.