Module 2 Reflection

Through my exploration and continued learning of Instructional Design this week, I have come to understand how systematic the practice of ID actually is. From the identification of a need for new approaches to instruction, all the way to assessing and revising a design after implementation, effective instructional designers are thorough and comprehensive in achieving optimal learning.

I was struck by the extensiveness of assessing learner characteristics. Before Module 2, I would have been comfortable defining learner characteristics as nothing more than learner readiness. Nevertheless, relevant learner characteristics for instruction goes far beyond prior content knowledge and mastery. It also includes assessment of the learners' emotional and cognitive ecosystems.

I took this realization into consideration as I began working on my project as well as on our first case study analysis, and it has surely broadened my focus with consideration to approaching the field of instructional design. As stated before, to effectively design and implement a plan for achieving learning objectives, we have to by systematic in how we do so, being cognizant of the effectiveness of the design and its relationship with learners through every step of the design process.

Already as an online teacher, I have viewed my work and the computer-based curriculum through the lens of ID. Doing this has caused me to ask some very important questions. A few of these are 1) what is the objective that needs to be met here?, 2) what instructional strategies are being used?, 3) do they take into consideration learners' cognitive styles?, and 4) how can we assess the effectiveness of our chosen curriculum and teaching methodology?

This adventure through the field of Instructional Design is just beginning. Nevertheless, I feel as though I have already accumulated a lot of knowledge and thoughts to process and synthesize into my own personal application of the study of ID. This module has been wonderful in helping me to continue to do just this.