Jim Schools, M.S.

Research Agenda:

Jim’s original research interest was developed during the MSIDT program, resulting in the final research paper and corresponding project   A Computer-Based Employee Training System for Resource-Limited Small Businesses. This project investigated the different possibilities for utilizing the latest instructional design theory combined with e-learning and electronic media to produce a high-value employee training experience on a limited budget. The final project was a real-life training program for employees covering a product line in the life science instrumentation business. That project is still being used 7 years later, of course undergoing revisions with new developments that were facilitated by the logical development of the project using fundamental instructional design theory and building blocks. Jim continues to develop e-learning modules for both customer and employee training and is currently looking for practical applications via research in user interface design and multiplatform delivery. The latest goal is to offer corporate training via multiple channels such as via the web, via tablet computing, via smart phones, and via social media, but to do so while maintaining fundamentally sound design principles and also maintaining the process and structure to keep budget expenditure as low as possible.