The American Public University System (APUS), a 100% fully online University, began the process of transitioning from one Learning Management System (LMS) to another in 2010. Review of plans for the transfer included the repurposing and redevelopment of the New Faculty Training Course (NFTC). It was determined that the NFTC would need to be completely remodeled to expand the instructional content and learning activities to reflect the standards set in faculty hiring and academics as well as train faculty on the new LMS at this fully accredited for-profit institution of higher education. The Instructional Design and Development (IDD) team creates a rich student learning environment, while remaining agile in their ability to serve their constituents while strategically planning for the future. The team strives to establish standards of excellence in online learning by providing innovative solutions for e-learning, pedagogy, and andragogy. Academically rigorous course content is created for a dynamic learning environment; maintaining a heuristic method in the development and implementation of innovative techniques through the lens of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Framework for online learning. Additionally, in order to stay current with effective practices in online learning, pedagogical, instructional design, technology, and course quality, the team continues to reach out internally and externally through networking, collaboration, and professional development to individuals, teams, organizations, and other institutions of learning. Through investigation and evaluation of emerging trends guide the team to enable faculty towards the effective use of resources, technologies, and online education best practices in the classroom. The IDD Team works and collaborates with other departments in the University in order to fill gaps. Initial work on assessing the original NFTC was tasked to the IDD Team prior to any knowledge of the larger design project. Analysis of the previous NFTC, as well as examination of recommendations for subject areas from Deans and Program Directors (PDs) from previous focus groups, was conducted to determine content to be repurposed. Additionally, a thorough review of course documents, LMS content, and resources from the community provided additional topics and content for the training asset. During the months of May and June 2010, members of the IDD Team created select training assets for the new system. In order to facilitate the development of the assets, the team consulted and collaborated with other groups across APUS, such as the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) which houses the New Faculty Training Course, the Online Library, and Classroom Support to develop the training. Additionally, Deans and Program Directors (PDs), key faculty and academic support staff were conferred with to determine best direction and key components needed for the training. During late August of 2010 the IDD Team was tasked with the creation of a brand new three- week New Faculty Training Course. The stages for the project included: pre-development; development and design; review; testing; a pilot; and delivery for February 2011. In order to achieve work in a brand new LMS in a very short amount of time with multiple actors involved the IDD Team applied its' Process Model. At APUS, the IDD team created a course development model to facilitate the course development and design process, develop an effective and meaningful student learning experience and ensure course rigor. We merged the schools' academic curriculum development philosophies, standards, and requirements with instructional design project management effective practices for course development. Additionally, we adopted one of the most recognized online learning frameworks, CoI, which is utilized by various institutions of higher education, educational leaders, and other organizations, and provides explanation for best practices in online learning (Garrison, Anderson, Archer, 2000). All APUS Course Developers and Instructional Designers are encouraged to review the Garrison et al. (2000) study to further their understanding. The APUS IDD team applies a six-phase process model (APUS IDD PM) architecture that enables us to focus on three important elements of the courseware development. First, we implement accepted effective practices in online Instructional Design (ID) systems pedagogy and andragogy modeling to structure overall courseware development. Next, we apply the CoI Framework in our courseware to ensure successful student outcomes and promote student retention. Finally, we utilize agile project management principles to allow for collaboration and communication while still maintaining discipline, quality and rigor throughout the project's lifecycle. For this presentation members of the IDD Team will showcase the cross-institutional and cross-functional course development process model used to develop a multimedia instructional asset. Project team members, including an external consultant, will describe how the asset was developed utilizing a collaborative and iterative process. Additionally, discussion of the application of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Framework to the development process and how the CoI was used to structure the collaborative work between and within the teams, including the Pilot of the instructional asset, will take place. Further, an outline of the aggressive schedule, agile development process, and lessons learned will be discussed with the session participants.
