The learning process cycles through assessment, presentation, practice, application and assessment once again. An initial assessment reveals what a student knows and what a student wants to learn. Then, new concepts are presented, practiced with instructor guidance and independently applied to relevant real-world situations. At each stage, the instructor reviews concepts presented and provides clarification. Lastly, a final assessment ensures that students have mastered learning objectives.

Assessment Phase

In the initial Assessment Phase, interviews, survey questionnaires and "live" projects, measure existing skills. Pre-assessment results and student desired outcomes contribute to a customized training plan.

Presentation Phase

The Presentation Phase covers lesson objectives, introduces concepts, previews software features or demonstrates a skill. Students learn why they would want to learn a feature or gain a skill. A quick reference guide acquaints students with the steps needed to perform a task. At the end of the Presentation Phase, instructors review the information covered and check for understanding using courseware tools.

Practice Phase

In the Practice Phase, students, using hands-on guided exercises, begin to master skills previously introduced. Step-by-step examples show how to utilize software features and how to perform a task. Small steps make the exercises easy to follow. Illustrations of outcomes and screen shots of the expected computer response give students confidence as they progress through a lesson. An instructor guides students, supplying shortcuts, tips, and tricks to performing an operation. The Practice Phase reinforces concepts as students practice skills in a relevant, realistic application. At the end of the Practice Phase, a check for understanding and a quick review occur. At this point, students should be able to answer questions about how a feature works and be ready to use the skill with little assistance.

Application Phase

In the Application Phase, students gradually become more independent. Further Practice exercises in which students answer short questions or perform a simple task require students to apply newly acquired skills. Challenges covering lesson objectives reinforce knowledge. Relevant examples provide insight into how to use skills in other contexts. The ability to customize exercises helps students meet personal objectives. Students learn how to use a feature in a way much like they will outside the classroom.

Watching students work on a task allows the instructor to check for understanding, add helpful hints and reinforce lesson concepts. Comprehensive exercises in the Application Phase ensure that new skills have been mastered. At the end of this stage, students feel confident of their mastery and can readily demonstrate that proficiency.

Assessment Phase

Assessments that evaluate the skill, knowledge and understanding of a student, complete the Fourth R Learning Model. Thus, students receive assurance that they have gained skills necessary to compete in the technology marketplace and have received the certification authenticating their accomplishment.

The purpose of certification, a specialized type of post-assessment, and the certifying institution varies by credential.

Review Phase

The Review Phase follows each of the four stages. Instructors check for student understanding and reiterate key points. Students demonstrate skills and knowledge. This phase is key to learning and guarantees that students master the concepts and skills presented in the courses.

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