• Is the blueprint a course template?
• Does the blueprint generate an online course?
• Can subject matter experts use the blueprint?
• Can I use the blueprint with rapid elearning tools?
• Does the blueprint cover everything I might need to know about instructional design?
• Does the blueprint teach ADDIE?
• Is the blueprint useful for educators?
• Who developed the blueprint?
• What are the system requirements?

Is the blueprint a course template?

The blueprint isn't a template. Instead, it's a job aid that helps you apply fast, focused instructional design to your project. It helps you standardize your process, but it doesn't standardize your courses. Every performance problem needs a unique solution, and the blueprint helps you design that solution.

Does the blueprint generate an online course?

No, you create your materials using your existing tools. The blueprint helps you confidently make decisions about activities, media, organization, and writing style.

Can subject matter experts use the blueprint?

Yes, it's a great idea to give the blueprint to subject matter experts (SMEs). The team license makes it easy.

• If you want to have SMEs create elearning, the blueprint will help make sure you get an effective course.
• If SMEs are advisors to the course creator, it's still a good idea to give them the blueprint. If everyone on the team commits to the same process and has access to the same guidelines, your project is more likely to go smoothly and quickly.

Can I use the blueprint with rapid elearning tools?

Yes! The blueprint teaches a streamlined approach to instructional design that will help you create elearning using any tool.

Does the blueprint cover everything I might need to know about instructional design?

The blueprint follows its own advice—it gives you the minimum you need to know to produce focused, powerful elearning. It's designed so non-experts can immediately use it. It's not intended to provide an in-depth study of instructional design. The "Other Resources" section in the blueprint includes links to more detailed information and theory.

Does the blueprint teach ADDIE?

The blueprint uses a shorter, less linear approach than the ADDIE model. Some unique aspects of the blueprint's approach:

• Evaluation is built in from the beginning as a measurable business goal; also, assessment activities are written before other content.
• The blueprint encourages early prototyping.
• There's no formal design document. Instead, you create a visual map that shows a high-level and easily changed view of your goal, activities, and content; you might create an outline as well, but some people will go directly into development.
• The blueprint encourages you to emphasize activities and deliver minimal information.

"In short this means beginning design not by asking 'what does the learner need to know?' but 'what does the learner need to do?' The difference: the former lends itself to spec creep, and the potentially endless addition of material. The latter focuses on the minimum amount of information needed to meet an organisational goal."—Donald Taylor on Action Mapping, the basis of the blueprint

Is the blueprint useful for educators?

The blueprint is most useful when your goal is to change behavior. It emphasizes ways you can help adult learners immediately apply their new knowledge, and it discourages the use of fact-based quizzes. If your goal is to help learners apply their new knowledge to their lives, the blueprint will help.

Who developed the blueprint?

The blueprint was written by Cathy Moore, who has been creating lively instruction for more than 25 years. Thousands of professionals worldwide use her elearning materials. Elements of the blueprint have been presented at the eLearning Guild Annual Gathering, Brandon-Hall Innovations in Learning conference, eLearning Guild Online Forum, and Articulate Live '09 conference. Cathy has been a judge for the Brandon Hall awards and shares practical ideas for elearning through her blog, Making Change.

"When Cathy talks about design, you listen, because you know she practises what she preaches."—Clive Shepherd

What are the system requirements?

The blueprint is a standard web site with embedded Flash and some Javascript. You'll need:

• Windows or Macintosh computer
• Internet connection
• Current browser with JavaScript enabled
• Current Flash player installed in the browser
• A program that can open Microsoft Word files (for some worksheets)

The blueprint is built on WordPress, which is blogging software that also works as a simple content management system. If your IT department blocks access to every blog, you might need them to unblock this address: http://blog.djangolabs.com.