Artefacts Summary
The field of instructional design can be as broad and diverse as people's learning preferences and needs. Choosing the artefacts to include in my portfolio was not easy. There were many valuable assignments and activities that helped me to broaden my knowledge and skills. However, the five that I chose represent my growth through these years in the program and the foundations for further development in the field.
In a way, each artifact represents a checkpoint in designing a learning experience.
- Positionality Statement- reflecting on positionality to understand how our biases may affect our interpretations and decisions during the instructional design process.
- Needs Assessment Report- understanding the performance problem drives all the following steps, including not opting to create a learning experience. Because the instructions design process only has meaning and value if it succeeds in solving the problem for which it was designed.
- Learning Theories Concept Map- reviewing the different ways learning occurs to better identify potential activities and tools that can lead the learner to achieve the learning objectives.
- Collaborative Learning Design Project- having the right tools and technology provides infinite possibilities for creating learning experiences. Hence, instructional designer needs to keep their toolbox up to date.
- Online Course Design- online education is a powerful tool for social transformation, capable of making education accessible to a more significant number of people, especially marginalized groups. Therefore, knowing the particularities of designing a practical online course is the knowledge that every instructional designer should have.
The experience of creating these artefacts was exciting and fun. Through my reflection, I aim to convey how positive and enriching this learning experience was. Enjoy!
Artefacts
Positionality Statement
This assignment required students to identify a problem of practice and write a positionality statement identifying and describing their perspectives and biases concerning their stated problem of practice.
Needs Assessment Report
This assignment required the learner to identify and analyze an organizational problem, conduct a needs assessment interview, and write outcome-based learning objectives to write a final needs assessment proposal that includes evaluation strategies.
Learning Theories Concept Map
This assignment focused on conceptualizing the four fundamental learning theories (behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, connectivism), the theorists involved, and the key ideas for the theories. A concept map, conceptual framework, or infographic could be used to describe their interpretation of the foundational learning theories and how the key ideas relate to instructional design. It was required to include key theorists, the key ideas behind each theory, 2-3 paragraphs that explain the conceptualization, cite the sources, and include references cited list.
Collaborative Learning Design Project
This assignment was the course's final project. It was a group project and consisted of creating a Google Site of at least eight pages based on a common interest that serves an instructional purpose and should contain as many tools as possible learned in the course. Whenever possible, these should be embedded rather than linked. The site should include an easy-to-follow structure with well-defined sections and pages. The home page should contain an introduction that clearly defines the site's purpose and has a concise summary of contents (in addition to the navigation menu). The look and feel of the site had to be consistent throughout. Resources used should provide references to their source, and the site should demonstrate an understanding of and ability to integrate most web-based, collaborative tools explored during the course.
Online Course Design
This assignment required evaluating a range of tools, techniques, and technologies to design, develop, and implement a three lesson online course using the LMS of my choice.