EDCI 57200, Introduction to Learning Systems Design
Artifact – EDCI 57200 – Group Project – Primo Overview Workshop
- Demonstrates ability to read and understand educational literature related to Educational Technology
One of the challenges of the project featured in the artifact was based in determining how advanced the instructions should be. There were dozens of elements to Primo that were not included for the sake of brevity. As indicated by Ritzhaupt, Martin, & Daniels (2010), multimedia technology can be used to integrate different media forms. It may have been beneficial to mention how a side by side tutorial could be created allowing the participant to point and click along with the tutorial.
- Demonstrates ability to describe fundamental theories of human learning
Executing the side by side option may be more effective as it demonstrates chronological instruction. For instance, a sequential learner will prefer learning things step-by-step with a stream of progressing material (Hawk 2007). However, this may be referencing unnecessary specificity as the overview is indented for a diverse learning audience. There was a rudimentary challenge in creating the tutorial, in that many steps seemed too basic or even too obvious to require explanation, such as clicking the search button. This could have been remedied via the use of a video tutorial instead of slides. However, the fact that this was recognized indicates that if actual execution of the project was warranted, the video factor would have been pursued with more zeal.
- Applies knowledge of human learning, diversity, and effective pedagogy to solution of problems
Working within a group to develop a mock program synthesis blends ideas on how certain elements of educational technology may be disseminated to a wide audience. By referring to multiple ideas, a group can encapsulate multiple ideas into a single project and also form a consensus on the most beneficial ideas overall. This was demonstrated in a mock workshop created by a group of students in EDCI572. The intent was to create a tutorial for students to refer to when they perform searches within the Purdue Library online (Primo).
Portraying the project as having a meaningful utilitarian purpose came with the mentioning of how it saved time for the library staff. Librarians could spend less time showing students how to use the search engine as the program itself would supplement this need. While this may indicate that establishing a need for a tutorial is required before development, it should not rule out an instructional designer’s call to be proactive as well.
References:
Ali, Croft, Miehl, Oberlin. (2013). Primo overview workshop. Unpublished Storyboard. Purdue University.
Hawk, Thomas F., & Shah, Amit J. (2007) “Using Learning Style Instruments to Enhance Student Learning” Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education
Ritzhaupt, A., Martin, F. & Daniels, K. (2010). Multimedia competencies for an educational technologist: A survey of professionals and job announcement analysis. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 19(4), 421-449. Chesapeake, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved January 15, 2015 from http://www.editlib.org/p/34114.