Learners learn skills best when they can practice and actively connect what they already know with what they are about to learn. Lectures put the learner in a passive role and assume that everyone learns best by listening when in fact more people learn best by seeing and doing. Some alternatives to the lecture are demonstrations, hands-on, discussion, exercises, and simulations. There are now many communication media options so that the choice for time and place of learning no longer has to be in a training room, away from work. Design can include an electronic performance support system, online tutorials, instructions embedded in equipment, or immediate online feedback.
Distance learning via TV satellite, teleconference or Web page are options.
In addition to the lesson plan for learning outcomes, design also includes a variety of other techniques to break the ice, to create learning communities, to bond with the learners, and to accelerate learning. Part of instruction design is the logistics, including the selection of training facility, media, equipment, time, set up, refreshments and food. If possible, test the design after it is developed with a small group of the learners. Delivery Delivery is about implementing the instructional design. Most trainers use an instructor's manual, to keep on schedule, sequence the events correctly and organize topics.