For instructional designers who currently build hour or day-long courses, the idea of creating content in small, independent, reusable 2-3 minute chunks can seem daunting. Well-written, instructionally sound materials often rely on an instructor-led sequence (whether online or in the classroom) and build upon experiences throughout the program. When creating reusable objects, the designer cannot assume they are in control of the learning sequence. In addition, the job of converting a mass of current materials while developing new content to meet current business objectives seems impossible without adding additional resources. Fortunately, Knowledge System Design (KSD) provides an easy methodology to create Knowledge Objects to ease the transition to new design and knowledge management efforts. The KSD method is:

1. Easy to learn and use so any content creator or subject-matter expert can contribute content.
2. Flexible in order to allow objects to be reused in different applications.
3. Easily managed for large-scale production of content in a team environment.

Method for Creating Knowledge Objects

The KSD method to create Knowledge Objects is actually very simple.  You already learned it in your fourth grade English class.

In KSD, a Knowledge Object (KO) is similar to a short paper, while a paragraph is equivalent to an Information Element (IE).

Do you remember what your English teacher taught you about how to write a paper? 

Rules for Writing Papers	Rules for Creating Knowledge Objects
1.The paper should include a title that informs and intrigues the reader.	1. Every KO has a title that informs the user what information is contained in the KO.
2. Start with an overview to inform the reader what the paragraph is about.	2. Each KO includes an overview to inform the learner what the KO is about and why it is important.
3. Each paragraph has a main idea which is summarized in the first or last paragraph.	3. Each IE has a main idea which is the title, or name, of the IE.
4. A paragraph should be no longer than one-half page as long paragraphs are difficult to read and understand.	4. An IE must be less than one screen of an online learning page as scrolling distracts learners. Short IE text also allows the content to be easily delivered over PDA and wireless devices.
5. Use illustrations to assist comprehension.	5. Use multimedia (graphics, audio, animations, video, interactive programs, hyperlinks, etc.) to enhance communication and comprehension.
6. Different types of papers (expository, persuasive, etc.) require different structures and must contain different types of information to achieve different communication goals.	6. KOs will have different structures and contain different information based on the knowledge type. More information on classification of KOs below.

Classifying Knowledge Objects

Borrowing ideas from Instructional Design, KSD classifies each Knowledge Object into one of six types: fact, concept, procedure, process, relationship and set.  Once the content is classified, KSD employs research proven methods to format the content into print and online display that maximize readability and learning.  If the Knowledge Object needs to be a part of a course, KSD provides design assistance to allow developers to easily add practices, questions and other instructional treatments to turn the Knowledge Object into a Learning Object.

The table below describes each of the knowledge types:

Depending on the knowledge type, KSD recommends a different KO structure. For instance, if we are teaching a procedure the KO would have the following structure:

KO Title: Asks the question "How do I…"

KO Overview: Provides a description of the procedure to follow. May also include information on who performs, when the procedure is performed, how often it is performed and other introductory information. Media support is often provided in the form of a flow chart or decision tree.

Information Elements: Each step of the procedure becomes its own IE. The IE title states the step. The IE text describes how to complete the step. The IE media may provide a screen shot (software), a video or animation showing how to complete the step, or a picture of what happens when the step is performed correctly.

When transforming this KO into a Learning Object, the learner will be asked to perform the procedure, possibly in a simulated environment.

Learn More...

If you'd like to learn more about Knowledge Objects and Knowledge System Design:

• Take the FREE online course "Introduction to Knowledge Objects" at www.knowledgeone.com
  
• Request a White Paper on KSD by Dr. James Li from Steve.Olson@leadingway.com
• Or participate in a KSD Institute Workshop (see details below)

Creating SCORM-compliant reusable objects

Next month, we'll explore how Knowledge System Design can help you avoid the 3 most common mistakes organizations make when adopting SCORM standards.

Workshop: Creating Reusable Content for eLearning and Performance Support

Create reusable learning content, learn how and when to apply SCORM standards, find out what you need to know about metatagging, sample an LCMS, and more in this two day workshop...More Information.

Seminar: Knowledge System Design

Learn how to extend ISD principles beyond training with Knowledge System Design. Review case studies from leading organizations and explore opportunities within your own organization in this one day seminar...More Information

Online Courses

KSD Institute offers the following courses online--free, for a limited time-- at www.knowledgeone.com:

Featured Article

The February issue of KMWorld features a special section on e-learning. Judith Lamont discusses the integration of learning and knowledge management in "Bridging the worlds of e-learning and KM." Available online at www.kmworld.com

Access back issues of Knowledge System News here.