Instructional Design
The C.O.R.E Framework
Enhancing the User Experience of Learning.
Teaching is fundamentally an act of respect. Students invest irreplaceable time, finite energy, significant money, and profound trust. These are valuable currencies demanding meaningful returns. The CORE Framework helps educators be more effective.
Instructional design philosophy
The CORE framework for instructional design stands on four essential pillars: Concise, Organized, Relevant, and Engaging. This philosophy places the student at the center of the educational experience, emphasizing a high commitment to quality and a profound respect for the learner's time and resources. Viewing the learner's time as currency they choose to spend on our content, we aim to maximize the return on their investment by ensuring an exceptional user experience. This approach integrates principles from universal design, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and trauma-informed teaching.
- ConciseConciseness in instructional design means delivering content that is clear, to the point, and devoid of unnecessary complexity or redundancy.
- OrganizedOrganization refers to structuring content in a logical, coherent manner that efficiently guides learners through the material.
- RelevantRelevance ensures that the content is directly applicable to the learners' needs, goals, and real-world applications.
- EngagingEngagement involves capturing and maintaining the learners' interest and motivation throughout the learning process.
Commitment to quality and respect for the learner
At the heart of the CORE framework is a steadfast commitment to quality and a deep respect for the learner. This involves recognizing and valuing the significant time and resource investment made by students. By viewing their time as currency, we acknowledge that learners are choosing to spend their valuable time with our content, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive maximum value in return.
High commitment to quality
- Continuous Improvement. Regularly review and update content based on feedback and new developments in the field.
- Expert Involvement. Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and depth of content.
- Feedback Mechanisms. Implement robust feedback systems to identify areas for enhancement and address learner concerns promptly.
- Efficiency. Design learning experiences that are time-efficient, minimizing unnecessary time expenditure while maximizing learning outcomes.
Respect for the learner's time
- Accessibility. Ensure content is easily accessible across various devices and formats, allowing learners to engage with the material at their convenience.
- Support. Provide ample support resources, such as help desks, discussion forums, and supplementary materials, to assist learners in their journey.
- DEIB and Trauma-Informed Support. Offer resources and support that address the diverse needs of learners, including those who may have experienced trauma.
By employing the CORE framework, we create an educational environment that is highly sensitive to the user experience. This approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also fosters a positive, respectful, and enriching educational experience for all students.