Overview
At this point in the process (the Development phase) the CDD has been written and approved, and the course structure/content outline defined. It is time to build the training materials, beginning with a prototype.
Prototype
Developing a prototype is the first step of the Development phase.
- For an instructor-led course prototype, it is recommended that one lesson be produced that is most representative of the entire course (i.e., select the lesson containing different visuals or supporting materials versus the short and least complicated lesson). The course prototype must include all materials needed to conduct the lesson (e.g., instructor and participant guides, supporting materials, practical exercises, etc.).
- For a web-based course prototype, one completed lesson of the course needs to be developed. It is recommended that the lesson chosen for the prototype be one that is most representative of the entire course (i.e., select the lesson containing different types of interactivity, incorporates discussion boards, online chat, other collaboration tools, or practice exercises). Storyboards may be submitted in lieu of the preferred fully functioning lesson if approved in advance by the NTED/TPP PM.
Resource:
For an instructor-led course prototype, please see the Instructor Guide (IG), Participant Guide (PG), Practical Exercises (PE), PowerPoint Slides (PPT) in the Templates section of the Training Resource and Development Center (TRDC). The completed prototype materials require review and approval by the NTED/TPP PM to continue development of the course.
For a web-based course prototype, please see the WBT Storyboards in the Templates section of the Training Resource and Development Center (TRDC). The completed prototype materials require review and approval by the NTED/TPP PM to continue development of the course.
Once the prototype is approved by the NTED/TPP PM, complete the rest of the lessons and modules in the same manner. When all of the draft materials are complete, submit them to the NTED/TPP PM for approval to move forward to the third party review.
Third Party Review
Resource:
Once all course materials have been approved and are accessible, a Task Order Request Form is completed to request a third party review. This form is located in the Templates section of the Training Resource and Development Center (TRDC). The NTED/TPP PM can assist in completing this form.
Instructor-Led Third Party Review:
A new course requires three subject matter experts (SMEs) to review the materials and attend a pilot presentation of instructor-led courses. An existing course requires one SME to review the materials without attending any sessions of the course unless there have been major changes from the most recent certification.
Web-Based Third Party Review:
Before WBT can be implemented for the target audience as a whole, it must first be integrated into the identified delivery (host) environment where it must be tested to ensure all components function as expected and that learners are able to access all instructional elements easily and without additional assistance.
There are a number of steps involved in this process, including proper content integration into the Learning Management or Learning Content Management System (LMS/LCMS) environment, ensuring that the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) functionality regarding interoperability is working correctly from both a content and LMS perspective, that the course is functioning as expected, and that the content is accessible from a Section 508 perspective.
A new web-based course needs three SMEs to review the course in a live environment, while an existing course only requires one SME.
All Third Party Reviews
The NTED/TPP PM may request review of the course materials by federal employees who are experts in the subject.
The Level 2 evaluation instrument must be submitted at the time that other course materials are submitted for the course review process. The instrument will be evaluated during the course review process, based on its adherence to instructional design principles for testing, and to ensure that test questions or checklists (for post-course practical exercises –with NTED/TPP PM approval) map to learning objectives and critical “must-know” aspects of the course.
The results and comments of the SME review, which also includes a National Incident Management System (NIMS) review need to be addressed and approved by the NTED/TPP PM and the NTED/TPP Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) before the revised course materials are submitted to a third party 508 review.
Resource:
See 508 submission checklist [TBD from Michelle] located in the Templates section of the Training Resource and Development Center (TRDC).
When it is determined that all 508 compliance issues are resolved, the Training Support Package (TSP) is submitted to the NTED/TPP PM for final review and Certification. The TSP includes:
- 508 Compliance Form
- Core Capability Mapping
- Course Catalog Form
- Course Design Document
- Course Review Change Document (Spreadsheet)
- Electronic Copy of Course Curriculum
- Letter of Request
- Needs Assessment
- NIMS Review Letter
THE NTED/TPP PM requires a re-writable DVD with the complete TSP for the TPP files.