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Instructional Design Learning Portfolio
University of Massachusets
Welcome
I started in the Instructional Design program in the spring of 2020 as a part-time student, 17 years after I had last been a formal student. At the time, I would have preferred a traditional face-to-face program. It was what I was familiar with, and I was not up to date with all the technology and tools of online education. However, my circumstances at the time led me to choose an online program. After almost three years and having completed ten courses, I believe online education is a powerful tool, and enrolling in this program is one of the best decisions I have made.
This learning portfolio summarizes my journey through the program and contains five artefacts that confirm the skills and knowledge that demonstrate my mastery of the program's learning outcomes. The purpose of education, beyond providing knowledge and developing skills, is to form integral human beings capable of recognizing their abilities and improving our society. The artefacts I chose represent essential aspects of my professional development in the instructional design field and my personal development as a human being. From a process of introspection that led me to know myself better (Positionality Statement) to a report that summarizes an experience assessing a performance problem and proposing solutions (Needs Assessment Report), the creation of an infographic that helped me understand the particularities of the learning process (Learning Theories Concept Map), the use of collaborative tools to create learning experiences (Collaborative Learning Design Project), and the creation of an online course (Online Course Design).
Being a student in adulthood, when time is limited and divided between family, work, studies, and personal interests is a great challenge. However, deciding to study at a point in your life when you have already discovered what you are passionate about is an invaluable experience. In this Learning Portfolio, I share my process of enhancing my skills and knowledge in something I am passionate about, instructional design. I hope you enjoy my Learning Portfolio as much as I enjoyed the process of creating it.
About Me
The transition from student to worker was abrupt; from surrounded by classmates with similar learning needs and professors available to guide me, I was suddenly on my own. I had yet to learn how to incorporate everything I had learned as a student into my new role. I felt lost and disappointed. I was expecting more guidance and formality in the training process. Thus, I decided to take control of my learning and started identifying key people in the process, observing them as they performed their tasks, and asking lots of questions. Sometime later, when they announced that new staff was joining our group, I thought to put together all the knowledge and skills I acquired during those first months into a training program to guide them in their onboarding process.
I requested to train new employees and guide them through their learning process so they would have a better experience than I did. I was granted the opportunity, and I designed a one-week program that included various activities, from lecture time to task simulations, practices, and tours. Little did I know that this opportunity was the start of my journey into the instructional design world.
A few years later, I had the opportunity to join the Learning and Development department where I started to get familiar with instructional design aspects such as learning objectives, needs assessment, performance evaluation, training materials design, and effectiveness evaluation. During this time, I discovered the satisfaction I get from helping others develop skills and knowledge that allow them to succeed.
Fast forwarding 15 years, I have focused my professional career around Learning and Development for biopharmaceutical companies. I have worked with Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Romark. Currently, I work for Pall Life Sciences as a Technical Training Manager creating training content. All these experiences solidified my desire to further develop my knowledge and skills in instructional design and led me to choose the UMass Instructional Design program as the path to do so.
7 Facts About Me
