I have begun to consider my present and future as a instructional designer? How do I determine the strategy and materials most appropriate for (1) the audience, (2) the objectives/outcomes, (3) and the sustainability of the learning. I keep in mind that learning theories are varied and plentiful, and they all espouse valid foundations for delivering and understanding content, but they are "tools"; and therefore, as a designer, it is important to select the right "tool" for the job. I have found some helpful links to information that can help me sort through some of my questions. Ok, how can I chose the best model?

(1) First, know your instructional audience:

Florida Gulf Coast University offers clear and concise information to prospective designers, providing guiding considerations that help to give a definition to the target learner taking the classes: they walk the designer through questions that consider a student's prior knowledge and learning styles, technical abilities, and experience with online learning skills (i.e. self- motivated, independent, organized etc.).

They offer much, much more in the form of priorities to consider in the development of curriculum, organization ,and delivery. The site is user friendly and well organized. It is concise and well presented; a very good resource for beginning designers.

http://www.fgcu.edu/onlinedesign/designDev.html

elearning space also gave me very good information about further considerations for the development and design of online learning modules.

http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

For example eleaningspace presents some additional information to consider.

Significant trends in learning:

"Many learners will move into a variety of different, possibly unrelated fields over the course of their lifetime.
Informal learning is a significant aspect of our learning experience. Formal education no longer comprises the majority of our learning. Learning now occurs in a variety of ways – through communities of practice, personal networks, and through completion of work-related tasks.
Learning is a continual process, lasting for a lifetime. Learning and work related activities are no longer separate. In many situations, they are the same.
Technology is altering (rewiring) our brains. The tools we use define and shape our thinking.
The organization and the individual are both learning organisms. Increased attention to knowledge management highlights the need for a theory that attempts to explain the link between individual and organizational learning.
Many of the processes previously handled by learning theories (especially in cognitive information processing) can now be off-loaded to, or supported by, technology.
Know-how and know-what is being supplemented with know-where (the understanding of where to find knowledge needed"

As the design model is the foundation on which the instructional concept is created, it is a matter using good information (assessment results and observational information we gather) to selecting the appropriate design for the best possible outcome

For me, learning and teaching at the K-12 level begins with understanding that I am dealing with a new generation of digital learners: This is a controversial issue that I would love to gather more information on. Is it relevant to consider the evolving (digital) learning characteristics of Generation "Y" ? Some say "yes"; others, "no".

What do you think?
http://learning-2.learnhub.com/lesson/1528-gen-y-and-digital-learning-styles. Digital Natives, Are They Really Skilled at Multitasking?
vs. http://www.openeducation.net/2009/09/23/digital-natives-are-they-really-skilled-at-multitasking/

I would love to get your opinion... Digital Natives, Are They Really Skilled at Multitasking?