Objectives can be classified and have content added under the Content menu item.
The Content Page
The classification that you choose will determine the format that VISION will use to help you develop instructional material. After you have selected the type of classification at the drop down menu, you can click the Word Actions or PowerPoint Actions menus to add content. This will bring up a Word or a PowerPoint document which will be stored along with the objective.
Next, select a classification for the objective. The type of classification you choose for an objective determines the instructional strategy and template that VISION will assign to the objective. The template will guide the author to enter content in a way that best teaches that type of objective. Because of this, it’s important that you consider the classification for every objective.
Enter the content in any order you wish. It is not essential that you fill in all of the content sections at this time. Simply enter the information that is convenient and available. You can always access the content area later. If you are not the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and you cannot enter the content without help, enter instructions for SME in the content sections. That is, instead of entering the content, enter a brief description of what you need. The SME will see these requests on any document that includes the content.
Example
In the Main Idea section, you might enter something like this: “I need a list of the steps for completing this objective—no elaboration or links. I just need the steps in the proper sequence.”
In the Demo section, you might enter something like this: “Please provide a description of a real instance that I can use to develop a demonstration. I’ll need a set of illustrations keyed to the steps. They should show the steps very clearly. The steps should correspond to the ones you gave me for the Main Idea. I also need any common errors or helpful tips you can think of for each step. Thanks. Lunch tomorrow will be on me!”
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When considering content, you may wish to review the following:
•To review the skill and knowledge components (analysis items) that are consolidated within the objective, click the Analysis Links page or the "Analysis Linked to Objective" links window. You will want to review the skill and knowledge components when content is developed for the objective because it should address every one of the consolidated components.
•Refer to the Questions page or "Questions Linked to Objective" to see a list of questions that are linked to the objective.
•Refer to the Cross Reference page or links window to see cross reference items linked to this objective.
Editing Classifications
If you decide to change the classification, the procedure in VISION is easy. In the Content page, select another classification from the pull-down menu and click OK. If you change the classification and then enter the Word or PowerPoint document, you will be asked to save changes before proceeding.
Example
For example, if you start with a classification of “procedure”, the content will be oriented around a set of steps. If you change the classification from “procedure” to a “concept,” the content would be an explanation of the concept class, or characteristics of the concept. The original content, a set of steps, would no longer apply.
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Objective Classifications
Classifying objectives by associating the type of objective with a proven learning strategy will result in more effective instruction. The trick is to classify the objectives first, according to the type of content and behavior involved. Then use the learning strategy associated with that type of objective. Choosing the best teaching method or instructional strategy depends on what kind of content and behavior the students must learn. Listed below are the types of classifications used in VISION:
Procedure
Classify your objective as a "procedure" if it requires the learner to perform a set of sequential operations or steps that are always performed in essentially the same way with the same result each time. A "procedure objective" is also demonstrated to the learner in only one way. Here are some examples of objectives classified as procedures:
All of these examples meet the criteria for a procedure. Each solves a problem or performs a task the same way each time; and each would be demonstrated in only one way.
•Given access to the required equipment and technical manual, calibrate a Simpson Multimeter to within 25% accuracy. •In the flight simulator and under normal conditions, complete the Preflight checklist. •Without the aid of references, pack a parachute so that it opens properly every time. |
Rule
Classify your objective as a "rule" if it requires the learner to perform a set of operations (including steps, a formula, or algorithm) whose application will vary with the inputs and result in different outcomes. Here are some examples of objectives classified as rules:
All of these examples meet the criteria for a rule. They involve a set of steps or operations, whose application and outcome vary according to the input. All of the objectives are best taught with various examples that illustrate the rule application with different input and outcomes.
•Conduct a cost benefit analysis. •Post a deposit to a customer’s account. •Select the most cost-effective medium for presenting the objective. |
Concept
Classify your objective as a "concept" if the following apply:
•it focuses on categories or classes of things and their distinguishing characteristics; •it requires the learner to look at something and put it in it correct concept category based on whether or not it has the characteristics that are common to the category; •it is best explained to the learner by showing examples and non-examples. All of these examples meet the criteria for a concept. They involve categories or classes of things and have distinguishing characteristics. All of the objectives are best taught by showing examples that require the learner to place things in their correct category.
•Classify animals as either mammal, amphibian, bird, or reptile. •Using the maps, photos, and other information about a proposed property development site, designate the site as either suitable or unsuitable for development of a shopping center. •Differentiate between audit findings and audit recommendations. |
Process
Classify your objective as a "process" (or diagnosis) if the following apply:
•it is concerned with the sequential steps in how a system, organization, or equipment operates; •it requires the learner to give the likely cause of system malfunction or to predict the likely results of changes to the system; •it is best taught by showing a full range of normal and abnormal functioning of the process. All of these examples meet the criteria for a process. They require the learner to apply knowledge of the steps involved in a system to diagnose a problem, or to predict the impact of a change.
•Isolate a problem in the air conditioning start-up circuit. •Given history, symptoms, and necessary test results, diagnose a problem in the patient’s circulatory system. •Given a scenario describing proposed policy and organization changes, predict the likely impact of the changes on the number of maintenance activities, total annual capacity, cost, and staff loads. |
Classify your objective as a "structure" if the following requires the learner to:
•Remember the various parts, elements, or components of an object; •Learn the function of those parts, elements, or components; •Understand how they fit together. These examples meet the criteria for a structure objective. Each requires the learner to know the parts of an object and how those parts fit together.
•Identify the features and functions of the Ace Telecommunications Docking Station. •Match each bicycle component with its purpose or function. •Draw a simple, one-line diagram of a pump that shows each part in the proper perspective. |
Classify your objective as a "recall/fact" if it requires the learner to remember an arbitrary relationship among objects, symbols, or events that cannot be generalized or used to explain anything, and can be mastered only by directly recalling the information.
These objectives would be presented as a recall/fact:
•State the mission of the audit department. •Name the three most heavily populated islands in Indonesia. •Indicate the location of all 10 fire extinguishers on the floor plan provided. •List the five emergency steps for a stalled engine. •Arrange, in the correct order, the steps for starting up the main compressor. |
Free Form
Sometimes you need a different type of classification that has not been mentioned in this section. You might want to select "None of the above." In that case, VISION has a classification selection named "Free Form."
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