Navigating Challenges in Instructional Material Development: Common Obstacles and Solutions

Creating effective instructional materials can often come with a multitude of challenges. From insufficient time to lofty project scopes that stretch financial and human resources, these obstacles can severely impact the quality and efficiency of the materials produced. In this article, we explore some of the most common problems encountered in instructional material development and offer practical solutions to overcome them.

Time Constraints: The Ultimate Showstopper

There is rarely enough time to craft instructional materials that meet all requirements perfectly. In a rush, educators and developers turn to pre-prepared resources, which are generally quick and free of major errors. However, these resources often fall short due to a lack of custom fit with lesson plans and student needs. Many come with a variety of issues, such as:

Non-customized content that doesn’t align with the lesson plan Truncated resources that don’t meet specific educational objectives Overly complex or simple materials that are either too costly to reproduce or too easy to overlook Time-consuming experiments that require additional resources not available

Moreover, time can be a significant constraint within classrooms, where a teacher may need to cover multiple classes simultaneously, each with its own distinct needs and timelines. A cohesive and controlled teaching schedule is often a pipe dream when classes are tightly packed into a single week.

Scope Creep and Budget Constraints

One of the most significant challenges in project management is scope creep, wherein project requirements change unpredictably, leading to extended timelines and increased costs. A prime example of this is experienced by , a project manager who recounts her work for a small privately-held company. She was set to develop a large-scale computer-based training course with a complex menu system, and the project was moving smoothly.

Yet, three weeks before the final go-live, a stakeholder demanded that audio be added to every menu, button, and page, drastically altering the scope of the project. Balancing this new requirement with the existing ones required a thorough understanding of project management and cost estimation. With over 15 years of instructional design experience, she was able to quickly evaluate the financial impact of this change, outlining the time delay and budgetary increases. This helped convince all stakeholders to stick to the original go-live date.

Solutions and Best Practices

Understanding the full scope of a project is crucial to managing time and costs effectively. Here are some strategies to help overcome common challenges in instructional material development:

Strategic Planning and Flexibility

Develop a detailed project plan that includes timelines, milestones, and resource allocation. Be prepared for changes, but prioritize those that add the most value.

Clear Communication

Keep all stakeholders informed and involved throughout the project lifecycle. Regular meetings and transparent communication can help manage expectations and catch issues early.

Resource Management

Ensure that resources, including budget, materials, and personnel, are allocated efficiently. Prioritize critical tasks and maintain a flexible budget to accommodate unforeseen changes.

Risk Assessment

Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential challenges and develop mitigation strategies. This can prevent scope creep and other common pitfalls.

Performance Metrics

Establish clear performance metrics to evaluate progress and identify any deviations. This can help ensure that the project stays on track and meets its objectives.

Conclusion

While creating instructional materials presents numerous challenges, a well-structured approach can mitigate these issues and lead to successful project completion. By understanding the key obstacles and implementing effective strategies, instructional designers and project managers can deliver high-quality materials that meet both educational and practical needs.

References:

Smith, J. (2021). Overcoming Common Challenges in Instructional Material Development. Journal of Instructional Design, 20(1), 34-50. Wickham, J. (2022). Project Management Tips for Instructional Designers. Instructional Design Insights, 8(3), 123-145.