SELECT ID PROCESS

I am submitting two artifacts for the competency “Select or create an instructional design process based the nature of the project”: a storyboard and the final version of an eLearning module completed for EDCI 591. These artifacts demonstrate the ADDIE instructional design process I applied from the start to the end of this project. Within the design process, I used another model, ARCS, to establish motivation for learners using this product. Both of these models support that I can utilize instructional design processes that are appropriate for specific project contexts.

Depending on the nature of the project, specific design frameworks will best serve the design process. In this case, I worked with an SME to create an eLearning module on the foundational concepts of conducting competitive analysis. Not only was I working within their requirements, but I also had only 8 weeks to design and develop a 15-minute module. Therefore, I decided ADDIE would be an appropriate framework as it is thorough yet flexible. I started with a design document that analyzed the needs of my learners and the context in which they would use this product. This is where I used ARCS to hook my audience and establish motivation. I then mapped out the general flow in a storyboard, which was reviewed by my SME. Their feedback resulted in other iterations that were slightly tweaked to fit the time constraints of the learners’ schedules, which is evident in the final product’s trimmed-down examples for each competitor. Before shipping the project, the module was implemented and tested by a group of peers who provided feedback and evaluated the project. With this feedback, it passed through more rounds of tweaking before it was sent to the client.

Before starting the LDT program, my learning design process was intuitive based on years in the classroom. Although I had earned my teaching certificate and a Master’s in Teaching, lesson and unit design was not something that was formally taught in these programs. The exception to this was certain schools that used specific formats for documenting lesson plans. However, this was simply passing teachers a template and briefly walking them through it during PD. Having a comprehensive understanding of design principles would have made my teaching more effective. It would have also allowed me to think critically about my design decisions in trying to achieve specific learning outcomes.

These artifacts support that I can appropriately select a design framework that suits the project’s needs. This experience showed me the importance of selecting the right process that analyzes the needs, aligns with the objectives, and considers the constraints. I look forward to using other processes to expand my skillset.