ELDT 6100

This course examines both the historical roots and current trends in the field of learning, design, and technology. It provides an introduction to major learning theories, instructional design processes and models, and explores how technological advancements are influencing the field of education. The course also examines the key factors that influence the effective integration of technology in learning environments.

Artifact 1

Definition Paper

  • This paper synthesizes key literature in the field of Learning, Design, and Technology (LTD) and articulates my personal definition of LDT based on course readings and research. It explores the theories, methodologies, and role of technology in instructional design while reflecting on how I see myself contributing to the field. This paper serves as a professional statement of my understanding of LDT and how it informs my work as an instructional designer.

  • Through this project, I gained a deeper understanding of Learning, Design, and Technology (LDT) as a dynamic and evolving field that integrates instructional design, technology, and performance improvement. Synthesizing the literature helped me refine my personal definition of IST and recognize its broader impact on learning and development

Artifact 2

Application Project

  • This assignment focused on applying instructional theory and design models to create a standalone instructional tool. I designed a job aid that teaches users how to create and launch a basic Slido poll, aimed at helping educators and professionals enhance engagement through live polling. The project required the development of a clear, measurable objective and a narrative plan that justified the choice of learning theory and instructional design model used. This assignment helped me practice narrowing instructional focus, aligning theory with practice, and designing effective, learner-centered materials that can be used independently outside of a classroom setting.

  • Through this assignment, I learned how essential it is to ground instructional materials in both learning theory and an appropriate design model to create focused, effective instruction. Developing a job aid for Slido challenged me to distill a task into clear, actionable steps and to think critically about how adults learn independently. This directly supported the course objectives by strengthening my ability to design instruction with a clear objective and theoretical foundation. In reflection, I would have conducted a brief user test to gather feedback on the clarity and usability of the job aid, which could have further improved its effectiveness and accessibility.

Artifact 3

What Do I Do?

  • This assignment involved creating a 30-second video to introduce and explain my role as an instructional designer in a way that is clear and relatable to a general audience. The goal was to practice articulating what instructional designers do—something many people outside the field may not fully understand. I based my video on my current role, highlighting key responsibilities such as designing learning experiences, applying instructional strategies, and using technology to support effective training. This project helped me refine how I communicate my work and its impact in a concise, engaging way.

  • Creating this video helped me realize the importance of being able to clearly and concisely explain the role of an instructional designer to those outside the field. It challenged me to distill complex responsibilities into everyday language, which aligns with the course objectives of effectively communicating instructional design concepts and advocating for the profession. I also gained a better understanding of how vital storytelling and clarity are in promoting what we do. If I were to do it again, I would have spent more time refining the script to make it even more engaging and considered adding visuals to better illustrate my daily work.