In the training profession, we have a method for developing training courses called Instructional Design System or IDS. Some professionals believe that using IDS is almost a guarantee you’ll develop good training. Others believe that the quality of a training course depends more upon the skill of the author than any system.

One of the major problems with IDS is that people have developed so many effective training courses without using it, and so many ineffective courses while using it, that it’s hard for some trainers and managers to take it seriously. Others believe that if training is to be taken seriously as a profession, it must have a system for developing courses that can be applied in any situation.

This book takes the middle ground. We’ll neither worship nor denigrate IDS. Instead, we present a plan for developing a course that uses the principles of IDS. But remember: this book is a job aid, not a course in learning theory. For more about IDS, consult a book devoted to the topic. You can also check out a few internet sites like (http://www.ieee.org/organizations/eab/tutorials/refguide/ans01.htm) for additional information regarding IDS. To develop a successful software course in as little time as possible, read on.