Reflection Statement
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I encountered the term "ADDIE" for the first time when I was looking through various job openings that included education and curriculum in the description - all before I even joined the IDD program. I remember looking up the meaning of ADDIE and thinking it appeared to be a quite intuitive yet clunky process for teaching. However, since completing a deeper study in instructional design through the IDD program, I realize the integrated complexity of foundation, analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. If I had to pick two areas in which I focused most I would say it was analysis and development.
Analysis
One of the most profound takeaways from my experience with different projects and tasks in the courses has been the emphasis on ensuring that a need for instruction exists before continuing further in the instructional design process. While the it may be hard to hear, it is absolutely necessary - when the data shows it - to say "no, instruction is not the solution to this issue". I believe in evaluating the symptoms within a context, verifying the problem needs, and determining the gap(s) that instruction could fill. When my group for 6210 (Learning Environments II) conducted a thorough needs analysis the results demonstrated - beyond a shadow of doubt - the need for instruction. This concrete analysis made me feel very confident about the development and implementation that we were completing because I knew that the need was valid. This theme fits my professional goals because in order to provide meaningful instruction I must first know if instruction is the solution and know the context and audience in which to tailor the instruction. |
Development
While one of my goals during the IDD program was to gain skills in design, I have chosen development because it is the materialization of design skills. Curriculum mapping is a very important step in determining the organization of instruction. However, I have really enjoyed being able to develop what has been planned because I envision myself as a potential learner and try to develop materials that I would want if I were the student. Development requires a lot of concurrent macro and micro thinking, which is a skill that I utilize frequently professionally. Learning specific skills in development tools - including Articulate Storyline, Audacity, Adobe Photoshop, and iMovie - has been a part of the IDD program that has situated me for a career in corporate instructional design because companies require some mastery before being hired. |
Professional Development
The IDD@UGA conferences were some of the most helpful professional development and networking opportunities I was afforded in fulfilling my goals. The conferences helped me practice showcasing my work, including answering questions and receiving critical feedback. I also participated in a Tech & Learning Live event in Atlanta in February 2016 where I was able to network with K-12 technology coaches, including a special invitation lunch where we discussed the future of personalized learning and technology. When I attended the Harvard Learning Environments For Tomorrow conference in May 2016 it reinforced my desire to continue to study learning space design after I complete my master's degree.
The IDD@UGA conferences were some of the most helpful professional development and networking opportunities I was afforded in fulfilling my goals. The conferences helped me practice showcasing my work, including answering questions and receiving critical feedback. I also participated in a Tech & Learning Live event in Atlanta in February 2016 where I was able to network with K-12 technology coaches, including a special invitation lunch where we discussed the future of personalized learning and technology. When I attended the Harvard Learning Environments For Tomorrow conference in May 2016 it reinforced my desire to continue to study learning space design after I complete my master's degree.