Worldwide Instructional Design System

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Worldwide Instructional Design System (WIDS) is a division of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Foundation that provides software and services to help colleges and universities design curriculum and track learning objectives.

The WIDS instructional design model infuses broad, transferable skills called core abilities (skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking) into occupational and discipline-specific instruction. The WIDS model is adaptable to varied instructional intents and missions – both academic and technical.

WIDS recognizes three performance levels. The broadest level incorporates exit learning outcomes, such as program outcomes, general education outcomes, and core abilities – skills all successful individuals need regardless of occupation or life roles. At the next level, competencies describe major discipline or occupationally specific skills. Each competency is clarified by performance standards specifying criteria and conditions for assessment. Learning objectives are the enabling instructional outcomes. They describe the lower level, supporting knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to master a given competency. WIDS offers a model for strategic planning of learning. After setting learning goals—"what"; establishing criteria for determining "when"; teachers or designers plan strategies for—"how". These questions serve as a guide through a logical process which leads to performance based teaching and learning.

[edit] External links

WIDS Homepage

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