Learner outcome: Evaluate instructional programs; create a learning model, design based on learning theory research.

Course: ICT 710 Learning Technologies |  3 cr. | Summer 2024

Artifact:

In summer 2024, I took the course ICT 710 - Learning Technologies, which included researching learning theories, instructional design models, and technologies that impact learning environments. To practice the concepts learned throughout the course, I created a training module within a Learning Management System (LMS). The training module focuses on Microsoft Excel, a powerful tool that many people are underutilizing, only know the basics of, or have not yet received any formal training on. Students who go through the material in my module will be more effective at organizing and manipulating data, performing calculations, and gathering and presenting insights, which helps employees complete various tasks they might be responsible for in their role. Those likely to get the most benefit are those in positions that create presentations using data, perform analytics, and do administrative work.

Work sample:

Link to learning module I created: Training Module - Excel Productivity

Link to planning website I created prior to development: Planning Website - Excel Productivity 

Self-Reflection:

What did you learn?

I learned about the field of instructional design, learning theories, communication models including media richness theory, technologies & learning, and various media types. Another topic was Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which I had experience using, but I learned more about these platforms that provide web access to an almost unlimited number of students. Leading up to creating the Excel Productivity module, I learned about roles commonly part of instructional design projects; some of the roles that resonate with me the most are designer, project manager, subject matter expert, and evaluator. My main takeaway from the project was that many learning theories, communication models, and instructional design techniques should be considered to present content in a format that is easy to understand and tailored to the intended audience.

How did you learn this?

Prior to developing the training module, I created a website to organize information about the preparation process, which includes articulating the purpose, identifying stakeholders, performing a SWOT analysis, estimating the budget, and using an instructional design model. The SWOT framework was used to guide decision-making about course creation. I used an instructional design model as a guide to create the Excel Productivity course, completing a deep dive into the Successive Approximation Model (SAM). I see SAM as great for projects with tight deadlines that benefit from iterating through early prototypes quickly, using feedback for adjustments before moving to development, in comparison to the more structured ADDIE model. I chose SAM because it emphasizes early real-world testing and facilitates adjustments throughout its three main stages: preparation, design, and development.

To prepare for creating my own training module, an earlier assignment provided experience developing evaluation criteria for reviewing learning modules (mine or someone else’s). Items to check included ensuring learning objectives/purpose is clear, content alignment, logical order, sufficient content, content accuracy, variety of media types (accounting for media richness theory), and error-free writing style.

What were some challenges that you overcame?

One challenge during module development was deciding what Excel topics to cover. With so many features, identifying what is important and narrowing the scope was overwhelming. Also, the content couldn't be too lengthy, otherwise students would not be able to get through it quickly and apply it to an immediate use case. To overcome this, I returned to the project's initial purpose and scope, considering what would have been most useful to me when starting my job, and compiled a list of common scenarios to identify the key topics. I also referenced previous assignments and applied those concepts during development.

After creating the video for the first topic, I realized students would want more hands-on experience and ways to check retention. I walked through the module and decided to add text and screenshots under the video, practice exercises, sample datasets, and quizzes.

Other challenges involved staying on topic during video recording, ensuring a smooth flow, and balancing text versus video content. I addressed this by creating an outline script for each topic and recording each video multiple times until I was satisfied. Another challenge was budgeting course development for the first time, which I overcame by researching average expenses and labor costs online for software, hardware, and labor.

How will you apply this information in the future?

I can apply the learning from this course daily, not just in the occasional development of a training module. I could create microlearning modules at work, applying best practices for design, delivery, and evaluation across the full development cycle.

I will use learning theories to design more effective presentations and meetings, being mindful of information processing, cognitive load, and principles that apply to adult learners. My primary takeaway is that technology is a tool to achieve a learning goal, and using more tech shouldn't be the goal itself.

The communication models and media richness theory were particularly interesting. I can apply this when balancing speed versus convenience in messaging. Determining the best approach - chat, email, call, or live presentation, is especially important, and I should consider message complexity, urgency, and the nature of the topic. I will pause to consider if a message requires a richer medium like a video/screenshare over simple text/chat. Understanding my audience and how they interpret the medium will increase message success.

The concepts I learned in this course apply to work situations like explaining a new report to a stakeholder, giving reasoning for a calculation methodology, or providing a status update. I can utilize the planning process I learned from the SAM model for project management by thinking through the purpose, audience, budget, and delivery method for any new training topic. I am better equipped to select the appropriate training hardware, software, and delivery method to meet program needs.

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