Yes, the rods are most certainly directional. The lock notches that hold the rod bearings in place must face the outside of the engine.
You shouldn't have to put a disclaimer about asking a question. Everyone has to learn sometime and nobody knows everything.
The big chamfered side of the rod big end faces the crank(1 to the front ,1 to the rear in each set)the small chamfered side faces the other rod. Odd cylinder rods(1,3,5,7) big chamfer faces forward, even(2,4,6,8) face rear