Assessing the impact of an instructional design course on Arabian Gulf University Distance Learning Students` Instructional Design Competencies

Alajab Mohammed Alajab Ismail

Dr., Arabian Gulf University (KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of a graduate course in instructional design on Arabian Gulf University post-graduate students` learning outcomes represented in the instructional design general competencies generated by IBSTPI, 1986. The study also seeks to provide an analysis of the general instructional design competencies and performance statements including (Knowledge, Skills, and Affective) competencies that are necessary to achieve effective instructional design and development outcomes with a specific focus on distance teaching and training applications. The study used a developmental research method guided by ADDIE instructional design model on a sample of 22 graduate diploma and master students in the department of distance learning. Data analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the participants' pre and post mean scores on instructional design general competencies scale in favour of the post administration. Results also indicated that subjects’ believed that the course content is realistic, clear, and useful. It links theory to its real and practical applications in the field of developing distance teaching and training material. The huge content, the big effort required for successfully passing the course compared to other courses; as well as the short period of time positioned for studying the course material represent the west part of the course. To improve the course outcomes in the future participates recommended the need for an Arabic version of the workbook and renovation of the broken internet links related to course topics or replacing them with active ones.

Keywords: Instructional design, instructional design general competencies, ADDIE, distance learning, and distance teaching &training program.