Software/Hardware Subsystem

The Software/Hardware Subsystem usually includes the physical environment and platforms. We easily understand it, but often miss including assumptions/questions related to the knowledge levels and goals of the end users. Ask questions related to each of the following:

• Type of device
• Displays
• Peripherals
• Supported operating systems
• Internal infrastructure
• Interoperability
• Technical Support
• Security
• And many more

Instructional Subsystem

The Instructional Subsystem focuses more on the way students and teachers interact with the system than on the actual content delivered. Here we ask such questions as:

• In what ways will we expect teachers and students to use the system/tools?
• What role will the tool play in our Curriculum and Instruction plan?
• Is it
  • Logically designed
  • Structured for easy customization based on local needs
  • Chunked at the right size for your target population
  • Consistently presented
• Does it
  • Provide high levels of learner interactivity
  • Varying paths by which a student achieves and proves mastery
  • Easily adapt to various parts of your chosen Blended Learning model

Content Subsystem

Review the Content Subsystem by looking deeply at the actual lessons. This requires more than a cursory review of objectives. Check to see that the content:

• Clearly states/defines instructional objectives
• Aligns, or can be customized to align, to curriculum in both scope and difficulty level
• Uses layouts, graphics, visualizations, games and etc. in appropriate ways that support the student
• Actually teaches what it says it teaches
• Includes accessibility tools
• Supports students from all backgrounds and frames of reference

Management Subsystem

The final subsystem for review when selecting tools is the Management and Assessment Subsystem. If we truly want to individualize and personalize teaching and learning, the management and assessment tools have to match our goals. We have to be able to set the system up so that we get the right types of data at the right times. In this area, we look at whether or not the system provides:

• Prescriptions at the discrete objective level
• Access controls and limitations
• Statistics and reports
• Capabilities to locally define curriculum structures and paths
• Batch management tools
• Interoperability and data exchanges

Today's Challenge:

Regardless of where you are in the implementation process, if you don’t have the right online content and tools, you won’t have the levels of success you want. If you were in charge of selecting new products and resources to use in your blended learning program, how would you use the four categories for review?