IDD:
Instructional Design Document

Course Title: Safe Drone Flying: A Comprehensive Guide for Enthusiasts

Overview

This mini-course aims to provide comprehensive guidance for recreational drone enthusiasts on safe flying practices and professional development in the field. It will equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to fly drones safely and legally, while also guiding them through the process of enhancing their expertise and obtaining certifications.

Many drone enthusiasts desire to improve their skills and understanding of safety protocols but may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of regulations and lack of structured guidance. This course will demystify drone flying and safety, empowering enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby responsibly and progress in their recreational drone endeavors.

Knowldge Gap

The knowledge gap addressed by this mini-course lies in the need for structured guidance and formal training among recreational drone pilots. While many enthusiasts have practical experience with drone operation, they often lack comprehensive knowledge of airspace regulations, safety protocols, and certification processes necessary for safe and legal flying.

Target Audience & Learner Profile

 

The target audience includes recreational drone pilots who are beginners or intermediate-level flyers. They have a passion for drone flying and may already have some experience but lack formal training or guidance. Participants are typically adults with diverse professional backgrounds, motivated to deepen their understanding of drone operation and safety practices to ensure enjoyable and responsible flying experiences. They are comfortable with technology and eager to advance their skills in drone piloting.

Course Type

This mini-course will be delivered asynchronously online to accommodate participants’ busy schedules and varying levels of experience. An online format allows flexibility in learning and ensures accessibility for individuals with different availability. Participants can access course content at their convenience, progressing through modules that combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Course Modality

The online modality is chosen for its flexibility and accessibility. Learners can engage with course materials from anywhere, at any time, leveraging multimedia resources and interactive activities to enhance learning. This format caters to the diverse backgrounds and commitments of drone enthusiasts, allowing them to learn at their own pace while applying theoretical concepts in practical scenarios.

Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand the fundamental principles of safe drone flying, including airspace regulations and safety guidelines.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in drone operation techniques and maneuvers through practical exercises and simulations.
  3. Identify potential hazards and risks associated with drone flying and implement appropriate safety measures to mitigate them.
  4. Navigate the process of obtaining necessary certifications and licenses for advanced drone operation.
  5. Apply ethical and responsible drone flying practices to protect personal safety, privacy, and the environment.

Learning Activities

  1. Interactive modules covering airspace regulations, safety protocols, and drone operation techniques.
  2. Hands-on drone flying simulations and exercises to practice maneuvers and safety procedures.
  3. Case studies and scenario-based learning to identify and mitigate common risks and hazards.
  4. Guidance on the certification process, including resources and step-by-step instructions for obtaining licenses.
  5. Discussion forums and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to share experiences, challenges, and best practices in drone flying and safety. 

Module 1: Introduction to Drone Flying and Safety

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the importance of following airspace regulations and safety guidelines (Outcome 1).
  2. Identify key components of a drone and explain their functions in flight (Outcome 2).

Learning Activities

  1. Interactive module on airspace regulations and safety protocols.
  2. Hands-on simulation of basic drone maneuvers.

Assessment Strategies

  1. Formative quiz on airspace regulations and safety guidelines (aligns with Activity 1).
  2. Practical assessment of basic drone maneuvers (aligns with Activity 2).

Subject Matter Expert/Resources

  1. FAA Drone Zone: Official resource for airspace regulations and certification requirements.
  2. “Drone Pilot’s Handbook” by Jason White: Comprehensive guide on drone operation and safety practices.
  3. DJI Support: Expert information on drone maintenance and troubleshooting.

Instructional Design Model

The ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model will guide the development of this mini-course. Its systematic approach allows for iterative improvements based on learner feedback and performance data.

Learning Theories

Two learning theories that will deeply influence this mini-course are Andragogy and Connectivism.

  • Andragogy: Since the target learners will be adults with significant professional experience, it will be important to focus on Andragogy over Pedagogy. Participants will be expected to draw on their previous professional experience to complete the course, which will appeal to the principles of Andragogy. They should also be highly motivated as the course focuses on addressing a serious career-related goal. A potential limitation could be that some participants may struggle to adequately connect the course to their previous experiences if they have not had support in professional development in the past.

  • Connectivism: Learners will be expected to engage with other course participants, but because they will likely want to focus on their specific discipline, they will need to find other resources online. The course could include a specific lesson on PLNs (Personal Learning Networks) and on finding discipline-specific resources to address this. A limitation of this approach is that it will be difficult to make resources for the course that can address the needs of all participants. However, the proposed participants will likely be highly motivated, so they may be able to find their resources, provided proper guidance for doing so is included in the course.

Digital Media

Completed Checklist

Please see the attached PDF file for the completed checklist evaluating the Open Education Resource (OER) used for this course.

PDF: Applied OER Checklist

Digital Media Objects

Below is the list of digital media objects that will be used for this mini-course. This list will be updated as needed to ensure it aligns with the course’s learning objectives and enhances the overall learning experience for participants.

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