EDCI 67200 – Advanced Practices in Learning Systems Design

Artifact – EDCI 67200 – Reflection on Developing ID Expertise

• Demonstrates the disposition for life-long learning and continuous professional development

Through the exploration of meaningful case studies, I was able to form a more meaningful understanding of how my knowledge can be practically applied in the real world.  This was not only the case due to the exposure of several different scenarios, but also several different stakeholder perspectives.  It was exciting to review the many ways to solve a design challenge, and coming to realize what may be expected in a true professional environment.  Through the practice of analysis and critical thinking, I quickly discovered that approaching a design challenge is similar to approaching a specific personal attitude.  For instance, if an individual has a positive and open outlook on how to solve a problem, an instructional designer may have an easier time suggesting several possible solutions to the client.  However, the same is not true for those who have a rigid philosophy and prefer to stick with what’s most comfortable and what has worked in the past.  With each case study, I learned that there were several instances where a unique approach is necessary.  This indicates that creativity may be in order on projects encountered in my professional development.  As I mention in the artifact, “thorough review of client testimony and acknowledgment of the facts can help lay the foundation to formulate solid recommendations.  However, it would seem that in order to facilitate expertise as an Instructional Designer, one must form their own individual model to accommodate structure” (Oberlin, 2014).  After all, if we are indeed considered designers, we must acknowledge that not all of our designs must rely on previously established methods.