e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning

14.8. Define Job-Specific Problem-Solving Processes

As you review e-lessons that claim to build problem-solving skills in your workforce, look for case scenarios, research tools, data sources, activities, and thinking processes that expert job performers would use in your organization. If the lessons incorporate these elements, you are more likely to obtain performance improvement than from a program that is more general.

These job-specific elements must be identified during the planning phases of the e-learning program. While some elements such as the tools and observable activities can be readily seen, the most important elements of problem solving, namely the reasoning processes of experts, are invisible. Special techniques to define the ...