2.6 Instructional Design
Candidates model and facilitate the effective use of research-based best practices in instructional design when designing and developing digital tools, resources, and technology-enhanced learning experiences. (PSC 2.6/ISTE 2f)
Artifact: Unit Plan / Mini Module
Reflection:
Standard 2.6: Instructional Design
The Online Learning Mini Module and Unit Plan were created for the Introduction to Online Learning course. The purpose of the assignment was to design a 6-8 week blended or online unit of instruction for a K12 classroom. The Online Learning Unit plan required candidates to draft a plan containing six to eight modules of online or blended learning focusing on content standards of the candidate’s choice. While full realization of the Unit Plan was required, only one module was required to be physically constructed for use. I chose to develop module two of a six-module sequence of online learning focused on engaging first graders in technology-focused learning experiences about cyber-safety and cyber-bullying.
This artifact is aligned with and demonstrates mastery of the Instructional Design standard. For the development of the mini module, I had to use research-based best practices in instructional design to develop a technology-enhanced student-centered online learning experience for first grade students. The Mini Module was aligned to both student content and student technology standards. When developing and designing the Mini Module, much research and consideration went into selecting age appropriate online tools that were in alignment with the skills and abilities of a diverse range of first grade learners. The challenge of designing an all-online experience for first graders was quite difficult. Developing the Online Learning Mini Module taught me a great deal about the facilitating effective instructional design like using the SAMR Model as a guide to make the best online experience possible.
If I had the opportunity to revisit this project now I would do things much differently. At the time of the project’s creation, the best solution that I thought would logistically work with first graders was using Padlet as a crude LMS for children. The process of clicking one time would afford students the opportunity to leave reflective comments on a sticky note pin board. The simplistic design of Padlet, I thought, fit the Mini Module perfectly. If I were to revisit this project, I would use a free digital student portfolio app called Seesaw. Unfortunately, the product wasn’t available at that point in time. The great thing about technology is that if you wait long enough, the thing you were looking for will materialize. In retrospect, I wasn’t thrilled about using Padlet, but I did anyway because I felt first graders could effectively interact with it.
Overall, I feel that the Online Mini Module and Unit Plan demonstrate my mastery of the Instructional Design standard. Further, the impact of the Online Learning Mini Module and Unit Plan can be assessed in that much of the content from the Unit Plan about cyber-safety and cyber-bullying was implemented with my first graders both this year and last. Through teacher observation and review of student writing samples, I was able to ascertain that the delivered content about cyber-bullying and cyber-safety positively impacted the first grade class. In the future, I would like to attempt to accomplish the entirety of the Unit Plan with the Seesaw app, which would undoubtedly positively impact future student learning outcomes.
Standard 2.6: Instructional Design
The Online Learning Mini Module and Unit Plan were created for the Introduction to Online Learning course. The purpose of the assignment was to design a 6-8 week blended or online unit of instruction for a K12 classroom. The Online Learning Unit plan required candidates to draft a plan containing six to eight modules of online or blended learning focusing on content standards of the candidate’s choice. While full realization of the Unit Plan was required, only one module was required to be physically constructed for use. I chose to develop module two of a six-module sequence of online learning focused on engaging first graders in technology-focused learning experiences about cyber-safety and cyber-bullying.
This artifact is aligned with and demonstrates mastery of the Instructional Design standard. For the development of the mini module, I had to use research-based best practices in instructional design to develop a technology-enhanced student-centered online learning experience for first grade students. The Mini Module was aligned to both student content and student technology standards. When developing and designing the Mini Module, much research and consideration went into selecting age appropriate online tools that were in alignment with the skills and abilities of a diverse range of first grade learners. The challenge of designing an all-online experience for first graders was quite difficult. Developing the Online Learning Mini Module taught me a great deal about the facilitating effective instructional design like using the SAMR Model as a guide to make the best online experience possible.
If I had the opportunity to revisit this project now I would do things much differently. At the time of the project’s creation, the best solution that I thought would logistically work with first graders was using Padlet as a crude LMS for children. The process of clicking one time would afford students the opportunity to leave reflective comments on a sticky note pin board. The simplistic design of Padlet, I thought, fit the Mini Module perfectly. If I were to revisit this project, I would use a free digital student portfolio app called Seesaw. Unfortunately, the product wasn’t available at that point in time. The great thing about technology is that if you wait long enough, the thing you were looking for will materialize. In retrospect, I wasn’t thrilled about using Padlet, but I did anyway because I felt first graders could effectively interact with it.
Overall, I feel that the Online Mini Module and Unit Plan demonstrate my mastery of the Instructional Design standard. Further, the impact of the Online Learning Mini Module and Unit Plan can be assessed in that much of the content from the Unit Plan about cyber-safety and cyber-bullying was implemented with my first graders both this year and last. Through teacher observation and review of student writing samples, I was able to ascertain that the delivered content about cyber-bullying and cyber-safety positively impacted the first grade class. In the future, I would like to attempt to accomplish the entirety of the Unit Plan with the Seesaw app, which would undoubtedly positively impact future student learning outcomes.