The Instructional Systems Design (ISD) team's approach to science-based learning is supported by interdisciplinary research that delves into the systematic study of learning, human development, and sociology. The team brings a wealth of expertise in developmental psychology, cognitive science, and education technology, prioritizing evidence-based practices over personal opinions.
With that foundation, instructional designers provide training and technology that focuses on the fundamental aspects of knowledge acquisition while also acknowledging the various influences of physical, environmental, and cultural factors on learning. With customized and innovative training methods, PNNL tailors or adapts existing programs to meet specific learning requirements for science and technology education.
Science-based learning in action:
Operational Technology Assurance - A blended learning experience offering training in assessing mission-critical systems for cyber and physical vulnerabilities, including augmented reality/virtual reality, eLearning, and hands-on scenario-based learning.
PNNL’s Operational Technology Assurance module is designed to make certain that participants both engage with and truly comprehend the critical content delivered during an intensive four-day in-person course. To achieve this, the ISD team employs a specialized evaluation approach that focuses on two key aspects: participants' immediate reactions to the course and their actual learning gains.
First, the ISD team gathers feedback to understand how participants feel about the learning experience, making sure it is engaging and meets their expectations. Then, assess their understanding of the material, verifying that they have effectively absorbed the vital knowledge and skills we aim to impart. This dual-focused method allows the team to continuously refine training, making it as impactful and learner-friendly as possible, making certain that participants leave not just satisfied but also more knowledgeable and prepared to apply what they have learned to secure operational technology in real-world situations.
By meticulously measuring both participant engagement and learning effectiveness, the ISD team applies learning science to fine-tune our training modules to address specific needs, leading to more efficient problem-solving, improved decision-making, and heightened operational performance. This commitment to evidence-based learning and continuous improvement underscores ISD's dedication to advancing not just individual competencies but also the collective mission success of the organizations they serve. This instructional design capability is at the forefront of developing resilient, informed, and agile professionals ready to meet today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.