Bringing Theory into the Real World
Global Warming Learning Design Project
Artifact Description:
The Global Warming Learning Design Project was developed during my coursework in Learning Sciences and Technology. My classmates and I developed a goal based instructional design project that revolved around high school students understanding global warming and climate changes. This project showcases my understanding of the use a the constructivist approach, more specifically using goal based scenarios, in designing instruction. The purpose of integrating the goal based design project into my portfolio was to demonstrate a design process that utilized real world experience in the instruction, a cornerstone of my instructional philosophy. This artifact also demonstrates my ability to work with a team. Instructional designers often are collaborating with individuals during the design process, many times remotely. The ability to collaborate is an important skill to posses.
Reflection:
This project allowed me to practice many important design skills. First, I experienced what it was like to collaborate with a team remotely and over multiple time zones. The team had to utilize effective organizational and time management skills in order to produce a successful product. I had to be able to articulate my ideas to the team as well as contribute to implementing all the team ideas in a cohesive fashion. The team utilized WebEx for team meetings which I initially demonstrated to the group because I had prior experience using this format. We also designed the project on Google Slides which allowed us to edit the project either individually or as a group.
Second, the project provided a clearer understanding of how a goal based design can tap into the motivation of the learner which is an important component of psychological learning. Schank, Berman, & Macpherson explain that goal based design is "...a learn-by-doing simulation in which students pursue a goal by practicing target skills and using relevant content å to help them achieve their goal" (p. 165). Goal based scenarios help to put the learning into more of a real world context. In a goal based scenario, students take an active role in the project which is a central tenet of the constructivist approach (Driscoll, 2005). This project allowed me to not only learn the 7 design principles of goal based scenarios but also how to design instruction for each principle.