An Instructional Design Model for Online Personal Enrichment Programs

Advances in communications technologies
and the proliferation of distance learning opportunities
make it increasingly important for institutions that offer
enrichment programs to provide online- learning environments
that meet the educational needs of the adult learner. In
response to a growing interest in Benedictine monastic
spirituality, this researcher developed an online program
in Benedictine spirituality to provide an alternative for
those who desire or require the anytime, anywhere online
alternative. The program was created using an iterative
methodology that includes five main phases: analysis,
design, development, evaluation, and delivery. The phases
are supported with: criteria establishment, criteria
validation, a product development plan, and a product
validation plan. A learner-centered, non-credit bearing,
online program in Benedictine spirituality for the adult
learner was developed, tested, and validated. The results
of the study are generalizable to enrichment programs in
spirituality, humanities, or liberal arts. Recommendations
for further research are provided.