Reading Check 1

Using the reading materials, write a blog post answering the following questions:

1. Which learning theory will you most frequently use in your context (e.g., higher education, employ training, K-12 classroom) and why?

The learning theory I will most frequently use in my context of employee training is constructivism because it allows individuals to build their knowledge base around what they already know. Constructivism also promotes learning by doing, which in an employee training context, is incredibly valuable. From my experience, adult learners are at different levels and come from diverse backgrounds. Some adults are not tech savvy, and even some are just so absorbed in twitter and instagram it is hard to capture their attention. In my past experience, I built self-learning activities or hands-on practice to account for all learners. These activities were effective and actually requested when they weren't available! If you talk to a room full of adult learners, they will say they learn best by doing through hands-on practice exercises. The video goes into students being actively engaged in learning and problem solving. The teaching strategy is interactive - construct knowledge based on experience. I think the drawback to constructivism is when the topic or subject area is completely new. I had this experience recently, training product support to adults who were not previously in a technical field. Although much of the content was new information, the hands-on practice was what tied it together, and even though it may have been irrelevant, any chance I could relate the content or simplify it, I would, and I believe that is what the constructivist approach is about. 

1. What is Instructional Design? Describe in your own language using the notes you took from the materials above.

Instructional Design is an approach to teaching and learning. The book describes it as a systematic process. The first step is identifying the problem area. The next step is to determine if instruction is the best solution to the problem area/need. Then the planning and design can begin. The main factor that goes into the planning and design process is to establish student learning outcomes - what are the goals? A good item to note is the fact the end instructional design product depends on the information included in the design process. This is critical, and in my field, is all about collaboration. It's a team effort! A successful instructional designer is an effective planner. Evaluation is another key component to success. 

1. After studying the materials, what knowledge, skill sets, and/or dispositions do you think you need to develop as a successful instructional designer? I’d like you to continue thinking about this question as you work on the assignment throughout the semester.

Great question. The answer is: it really depends... In the context I work in, which is employee training, planning, coordinating and successful collaboration are all critical components. Since there is an abundance of data available to identify problem areas, the initiative/proposal is the first step. The next step would be to consult a SME. If I was a teacher, the instructional design would be on top of the SME knowledge, and would be less of a collaborative effort, and more work! I think the main skill set needed to be a successful instructional designer is planning. The planning process must be systematic and fool-proof.