1. List several aspects of development that require reviewing when developing materials?
Many of the aspects listed below do NOT seem to be applicable to my particular thematic unit; however, if I were developing a thematic unit at, let's say, the district level, I can definitely see how these aspects come into play.
* Cost--knowing what products cost and staying on budget
* Deadlines--getting materials ready by the required date
* Written agreements--since many ISD projects require coordination between departments, vendors, etc. all agreements need to be in writing to prevent miscommunication
* Samples--need to check a sample before going into production--prevent waste and time delays if everything isn't right
* Final approval--don't take chances on people's word--need to approve final copy of materials
* Pilot-test--before production, conduct some pilot tests or a review of those who are stakeholders--evaluate the entire design, not just materials
2. As an instructional designer, what should you look for as you evaluate your course (thematic unit) in the development phase? These are areas I can see being valuable to me as an elementary teacher. As I will be both the designer and the facilitator, I can see where having another teacher review could be valuable. I might not see my errors or be objective enough to see flaws. I may not be able to completely evaluate my lesson plan, materials, etc. until after I've taught the different lessons and used my lesson plans.
* Does the lesson plan work?
* Are the directions to the facilitator clear and concise?
* Are the facilitator's materials and learner's materials appropriate and thorough enough?
* Are the support materials (slides, overheads, handouts, etc.) what you expected?
* Does the timing of each of the segments match your estimates?
* Are the technology components (audio, video, computers, and so forth) appropriate?
* Do the instructional methods work as planned?
* What does NOT work the way you thought it should?
* What needs to be changed? What doesn't fit?
References
Hodell, Chuck, (2000). ISD from the Ground Up, e-book, [kindle edition] ASTD, Retrieved from Amazon.