At the completion of EDUC 765 Trends and Issues in Instructional

Design I had learned through analyzing, organizing and developing just how
systematic the world of instructional design could be. I always thought that
systematic equaled rigidity and a lack of creativity until my formal ID training
began. In fact, this systematic process means clarity in goals and direction
for the target audience. As the Instructional Designer I need to not only
consider the make-up of my target audience and what they want and need to
learn from trainings, but also the best ways or practices to implement when
creating them.

I was excited to delve deeper into this in my Low Level

English Literacy Interview Workshop in this course. Working through weekly

assignments by way of the alignment chart, exposure to different articles,
blogs and resources, collaborating with my classmates by way of the
discussion board and giving and receiving feedback through the partner
activities all helped me to sharpen my best practice toolbox.
The Text
I found Hortons text to be a great resource especially in the area of visuals.
I could see myself coming back to many of the check-lists that he included
and referenced surrounding the creation of objectives, assessments and
activities in the future. As for the text itself, the format was very dry and
systematic, at times it felt like I was reading a manual. At first I was reading
every word because I lacked confidence in my knowledge of ID; however, I
soon realized that that I knew more than I thought. I had absorbed many
of the strategies mentioned throughout the text I had already years ago. I
have been doing them while instructing students for nine years now. After

realizing this the text became less dry. I decided to use it as a tool to ignite
my interest about topics I have very little knowledge of. What topic you ask?
E-learning, its components and best practices. While the text just
skimmed the surface of E-learning, I am excited to learn more about this
subject through reading, research and discussion. Hopefully someday soon I
can connect this knowledge to my future career in ID.
Activities
I thoroughly enjoyed the activities I experienced in this class. They aligned
nicely with the terminal and enabling objectives presented in modules each
week and provided numerous opportunities for us, the learners, to
experience Multiple Means of Representation, Action, Expression and
Engagement. Before studying ID I thought a systematic process meant
rigidity and a lack of creativity; however, as I did the alignment chart I found
the opposite to be true. By identifying the terminal and enabling objectives
and assessments for my workshop I had a clear map and plan and was able
to create an engaging and meaningful absorb-do-connect sequence that
aligned with the learning to take place. Through this process and with the
feedback of my partner and instructor, I was able to provide clearer
alignment between my objectives, assessments and activities. I found this
feedback to not only be helpful, but also a means to challenge and expand
my thinking. The latter is something that I will experience as an ID as I
collaborate with many as I develop, design and create trainings.
Best Practices and UDL

I will be honest when I first saw that I would be studying Universal Design in
Week 7 I was a bit confused! Why were we going to talk about architecture
and how to make buildings accessible an open to all? This had always been
something very important to me as a person who uses a wheelchair and
benefits from architectural UDLs like curb cuts, ramps, elevators etc. but
why? However after looking at myself as an architect of instruction, the
many resources provided in the class and participating in the badge activity,
it all made perfect sense! I realized that I have been using UDLs daily in my
ELL classroom without defining them as such.

To me Universal Design for Learning is VERY important, BUT simple. It is

learning created for everyone that does not contain man-made road blocks,
is not rigid, but instead provides learners many opportunities for different
forms of representation, expression and engagement that allows for real
world connection and personal enrichment.

The format of EDUC 765 Instructional Strategies and Methods lent itself well
to the idea of UDL. I looked forward to seeing what new video, podcast, app,
or tool was included every week to enhance the instruction and further
awaken my interest in the weeks topic. It further proved to me that I need
to begin developing instruction that included such technology. When I began
thinking about my absorb and connect activities, I knew I had to challenge
myself in the area of technology. Even though I use PowerPoint daily as an
instruction tool and include YouTube videos where I see fit, I knew I needed

exposure and practice with tools like Flickr, Go Animate and different audio
recording tools if I want to break into the corporate e-learning training arena.
I was planning to include these in both my absorb and connect activities and
the task seemed a bit daunting, but I was up to the challenge. After looking
at my objectives and my alignment chart, I decided using the audio
conversations for both the absorb and connect activities would more
effectively meet the objective.
toolbox

I look forward to increasing my e-learning