Instructional Design in Non Profit Settings

     Non-profit instructional designers are faced with different challenges when designing multimedia projects that other designers. Non-profits are often community based and deal with sensitive subjects. An instructional designer must be able to approach the design project with respect and tact. Instruction designers must also have a clear understanding that non-profits have a limited budget so their design must be cost effective, easy to use, and maintain. If you are not familiar with non-profits and their functions, visit http://managementhelp.org/organizations/nonprofits.htm

     The ADDIE model is a great tool for instructional designers but extra steps must be taken in order to ensure the multimedia tool is necessary and effective.  The model contains five steps; analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. 

Visit http://electronicportfolios.com/portfolios/EPDevProcess.html#mmdev for more information on the ADDIE model. 

 

     While going through the model, The David and Margret Home in La Verne, CA will be used as an example. The David and Margaret Home has been in operation since 1910 and provides services to young girls. Every year a fundraiser is held called Concert under the Stars. At this event, tickets can be purchased which include dinner and the concert. The event is held in La Verne, CA in July. Let’s go through the ADDIE model and touch upon a few important challenges Instructional Designers might face when designing an advertising tool for a non-profit organization. 

Step 1: Analysis

     Who is the audience? 

          • The designer must familiarize themselves with the communities surrounding the event and their characteristics. With La Verne and the surrounding neighborhoods being middle class, the designer is aware that most homes will more than likely have at least one computer and internet access. 

     What tools will the designer need to complete the multimedia project?

          • Most, but not all non-profits have websites. With that being said, the instructional designer must consider different avenues of delivering their project. A printed, tangible flyer is a great tool but how is it going to reach everyone in a timely and cost effective manner?

          • The toughest part of working for a non-profit is going to be working within their budget and available technologies. 

Step 2: Design

     The design process is relatively the same for most designers. They must design flow charts, story boards and outlines in order to develop their overall concept. 

Step 3: Develop

     Again, the most important part of the development processes it to stay within the organization’s budget. Non-profits don’t have a lot of money set aside to design multimedia projects but understand that it is an important part of reaching out to their community for assistance. Printable flyers are a great, cost effective option for non-profits.

Step 4: Implement

     After the flyer has been created, the instructional designer must be mindful of what technologies are available to host the project. Like stated above, websites might not always be available. In regards to the David and Margret Home, they have a fully functioning website which houses an events and news section, an about me section, a volunteer and giving section, an employment section and a contact us section. As a designer for this organization, placing a PDF Flyer under the events and new section is available and a great way to get the flyer to more people. As a resident of La Verne, I have also seen the flyer at some local businesses which advertise community based events. As unappealing as it sounds, hand delivering flyers to local businesses is a cost effective way to advertise the event. Visit http://ucanto.com/article-free-advertising-resources.html to get more ideas on free and affordable advertising avenues.  

                                                                           To see their full site, visit http://www.davidandmargaret.org/  

Step 5: Evaluation

     The evaluation process is primarily the same for every designer. The only thing that instructional designers for non profits need to be concerned about is that the project needs to easy to change. Budget constraints can cause the organization to hire on a designer but as soon as the project is complete, the job is complete. Often times, money set aside to keep a designer after the project is complete is not available. In order for a project to be effective, the organization needs to be able to make corrections themselves. 

    Working with a non profit organization can be rewarding but also challenging at the same time for instructional designers. It is important for designers to work with non profits with an open mind and a compromising work ethic. Sometimes the most beneficial multimedia tool might not be the most cost effective. The instructional designer must be willing to be creative and ready for anything when working with a non profit. Jay Wilson and Richard Schwier, authors of an article in Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology describes instructional designers as "are agents of social change, and their influence crosses interpersonal, professional, institutional and societal dimensions of change."

Sources: 

Barret, Helen C. (2000). The Electronic Portfolio Development Process. Retrieved from http://electronicportfolios.com/portfolios/EPDevProcess.html#mmdev

Wilson, J., & Schwier, R. (2010). Authenticity in the process of learning about Instructional Design. Canadian Journal Of Learning And Technology / La Revue Canadienne De L’Apprentissage Et De La Technologie, 35(2). Retrieved from http://www.cjlt.ca/index.php/cjlt/article/view/520/253

2011. David and Margaret Home. Retrieved from http://www.davidandmargaret.org/