Instructional System Development (ISD)—An Air Force Way of Life

Abstract

Instructional System Development (ISD) is a five-step process for curriculum development using the systems approach. The interacting steps answer the questions, “What do we teach,” “How do we teach it,” and “How do we know it has been taught.” The process includes the following: (1) Analyze system requirements; (2) define education or training requirements; (3) develop objectives and tests; (4) plan, develop and validate instruction; and (5) conduct and evaluate instruction. The applications of ISD that have resulted in current Air Force technical training have utilized numerous innovations in instructional technology, and have led to cost avoidance by reducing training time. The goal of ISD is cost-effective training that meets the needs of the field.