Tools

Tools are those handy little reference and information access things lying around for the student to use to stay out (or get out) of trouble.

Tools are generally collections of things organized for ready-reference. Typical Tools found in WBT modules are:

• Indexes
• Site maps
• Module outlines
• Glossaries
• Command lists
• Error code lists
• Reference charts and diagrams
• "See also" links to additional supporting material
• Trouble-shooting charts or decision trees

Tools are likely to be used well after the student has completed the course of study, since they are distilled information within the subject area. Because of the likelihood of this after-instructional use, it makes good sense to teach the student about tools and how to use them as part of the instruction itself.

Tools are most likely:

• Lists, tables, or charts
• Standalone, set-off rather than folded into the flow of the instruction
• Accessible by direct inspection rather than calculation or procedure
• Commonly available to practitioners in the field of the subject area
• Used as much by the instructional designer as by the students