Creating Successful Learning Projects with the CIA Method

When creating any type of learning project, the design of the project is almost as important as the actual content. Regardless of the type of learning project, be it classroom, web, or self-paced eLearning, this holds true for any style. During the storyboard and design phase of a project, I have found that the CIA Method helps keep me on track. At its core, the CIA Method breaks the project into 3 independent phases that build on each other until the project is complete.

So, what is the CIA Method you ask?

The CIA method is a 3-step approach to creating learning content. In phase 1, we focus on developing the Content you need to teach the end-user. Then we add Imagery in phase 2 to bring to light or enhance more complex content and to further engage the audience. In the third and final phase, we make the content more Appealing to the end-user by ensuring that the content is visually appealing using the proper balance of white space, graphics, and text. Before we dive in, it’s important to remember that each phase can be worked independently and doesn’t necessarily rely upon any other phase (entirely).

C = Content

This is where we put together the “meat & potatoes” of the learning project. Taking all the content, in whatever form it is in, we start to analyze, organize, and arrange it in a way that is easily digestible for the student. In this phase, we will also begin to define certain attributes of the projects such as target audience, preliminary layout, and various delivery methods. Keep in mind, various types of learners may be working with the learning material, so you want to make it as easy to understand as possible.

I = Imagery

Much like in phase 1, this phase will also use imagery that is specifically tailored to our audience. In further defining our target audience it’s important to identify age, gender, culture ethnicity, etc. Using high-quality and relevant graphics will help keep the audience’s attention and aid in the learning process. Be careful to only include imagery that enhances the material and that doesn’t distract from the core content. Check and re-check your graphics to ensure there is no imagery that could potentially offend your audience!

A = Appeal

Once we have the content and imagery ready to go, the last step is to focus on the layout. This is where we take our initial thoughts and ideas (from phase 1) and fine-tune the project to make sure every screen or page flows well. We do this by making sure each screen/page is balanced with equal parts of white space, graphics, and text so the students can focus on the material. Be sure to enlist the help of others to read through the material and give feedback in this phase. A fresh set of eyes may notice something that you may have missed after being so deeply involved in the project.

Conclusion

By following these three easy phases/steps, we can create learning projects that are fully formed, appealing, and well organized. In turn, our learners will benefit by being able to logically follow the content and focus on the instructional material. This leads to a better overall experience by both the instructor and the student!