About This Course

Problem Statement​​

      LinkedIn is a social media platform that allows professionals to connect with each other and small businesses to find potential clients. We are creating this Instructional Module/Unit (IMU) because our client, VVF Consulting, is looking to increase their social media branding.

     They would like their Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to become comfortable with sharing their intellectual property and data in a manner that builds the brand of the company. The Executive Director of Microbiology identified this issue and is now seeking a solution through this IMU.

     The purpose of this IMU is to help SMEs become familiar with sharing information and interacting with potential clients on LinkedIn. The SMEs are consultants who work in pharmaceuticals. Our initiative is important because the SMEs need to be able to use LinkedIn to spread the message about their products and promote their personal branding as leading knowledge experts in their area of expertise.

     Our client is the Executive Director of Microbiology at VVF Consulting, LLC. VVF Consulting is the company where the SMEs are contract employees; they are the target audience.
We chose this client because of its unique need for educating users on social media who are not comfortable doing so and do not currently see its value. The age range of users is 46 to 65 years
old, and their degrees vary from Bachelors to Doctorates. The users currently have LinkedIn; however, they are not comfortable using this platform. Their skills are minimal in their ability to
have continuous interactions with current followers, in selecting relevant content, and in creating meaningful posts.

Analysis

     Our main goal is to create an instructional module for our client to have a better understanding of the value of LinkedIn. The objectives for this IMU is  for learners to be able to (1) create a well thought-out post on LinkedIn, (2) interact with others in meaningful ways on LinkedIn, and (3) understand how to grow their LinkedIn network. Our IMU will be in the format of an interactive WiX.
     Our client is the Executive Director of Microbiology at VVF Consulting, LLC. VVF Consulting is the company where the SMEs are contract employees; they are the target audience. We chose this client because of its unique need for educating users on social media who are not comfortable doing so and do not currently see its value. The age range of users is 46 to 65 years old, and their degrees vary from Bachelors to Doctorates. The users currently have LinkedIn; however, they are not comfortable using this platform. Their skills are minimal in their ability to have continuous interactions with current followers, in selecting relevant content, and in creating meaningful posts.

Design

     The title of our IMU is “A Subject Matter Expert’s Guide to LinkedIn.” 
     We (Drew, Daphne, and Hayley) will complete the design grid and storyboard of the IMU by October 22. We will work on its production until November 23. We will then conduct testing and quality assurance that will end on December 4, for a final delivery date of December 5. 
     The IMU will be fully delivered on a WiX. It will consist of videos, text, and interactive elements within the WiX. It will utilize a non-linear scheme so that learners can go at their own pace and take control of their learning. At the end of a module, learners will complete a summative assessment through the WiX. 

Development

     We will use the WiX web-based app, as well as add-ons, to make our IMU engaging for learners. Evaluation materials will come in the format of summative assessments, as well as a final learner evaluation of the IMU. The summative assessments can take the shape of a LinkedIn post that is submitted as text through the WiX. The final evaluation can take place within the WiX or by linking a Google Form for learners to complete.

Implementation

     We will need the assistance of Vanessa, the executive sponsor to the client, to promote and deliver the IMU to the SMEs via email and word of mouth. The IMU will function independently, but we will leave a method for learners to contact us in the event of technical difficulties or if questions arise. We will be able to see through our WiX account when learners submit material in the IMU.
     The IMU will be rehearsed by each team member on a different device (Android and Apple smartphones, computer and tablet). We plan to have one prototyping session with the SMEs using Google Hangout prior to the final launch. This will give us insight on their intended usage.

Evaluation

     Each team member will reflect on the process and learners will reflect when filling out the evaluation at the end of the IMU. Once the team members have the results of the summative assessment, they will be able to determine the usefulness of the IMU. They will summarize their findings and reflections in the Project Management Report.