Posts

I'm On the Curve

My Place in the Diffusion of Innovations As a learning design and technologies practitioner and student, I identify myself as an Early Adopter on Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations curve. I’m naturally curious about emerging tools and design methods, but I prefer to observe early outcomes and evidence of effectiveness before fully committing to them. This balanced approach allows me to evaluate both pedagogical value and practical feasibility before integrating innovations into instructional design projects. Over the years, I’ve realized that this mindset reflects how I approach both my professional work and personal exploration. I tend to explore the limits of what’s possible with emerging tools, but I also recognize the importance of purpose and timing. Innovation for the sake of novelty has little value outside of entertainment unless it serves learners, instructors, and the organizations that rely on us to deliver effective, inclusive learning experiences. Position Justifica...

LDT 506 M7: Self-Assessment and Reflection

  LDT 506 | May 4, 2025 Self-Assessment and Reflection Introduction Evaluation is more than a technical task, it is an applied discipline that ties together inquiry, ethics, and collaboration to inform and improve practice. As emphasized by Russ-Eft and Preskill (2009), the most impactful evaluations don’t just measure outcomes; they help organizations learn, adapt, and thrive. Throughout the past six weeks in LDT 506, I've gained a deeper understanding of evaluation as a thoughtful and human-centered process. It is grounded in asking meaningful questions and guided by established principles that ensure the evaluation is ethical, relevant, and purposeful. Through the lens of Stevahn, King, Ghere, and Minnema’s (2005) taxonomy, the AEA Evaluator Competencies (2018), and IBSTPI’s (2012) standards, I’ve been able to reflect meaningfully on where I currently stand, and where I need to grow as an evaluator working at the intersection of learning design, federal training systems, and ven...

LDT 506 My Evaluator Competencies: Strengths, Growth Areas, and a Path Forward

LDT 506 | March 24, 2025 Introduction Evaluation, when done thoughtfully, goes beyond measurement and supports growth, equity, and accountability. As I reflect on the evaluator competencies defined by Stevahn, King, Ghere, and Minnema (2005), along with those outlined by the American Evaluation Association (AEA, 2018) and the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI, 2012), I recognize that evaluation is task grounded in ethics, values, and technical precision. It requires accurate data analysis and the ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics, resulting in meaningful communication and collaboration. My self-assessment in this class offers a snapshot of where I currently stand as an evaluator and clarifies some areas I need to develop further. Where I Stand as an Evaluator Based on my self-assessment results, I consider myself at an intermediate level approximately a 3 on a 6-point scale. While I bring experience in instructional design and ...

EDP 540 Applying Learning Theory In ISD

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  Applying Learning Theory in  Instructional Design Introduction Learning theories are important in instructional design as they provide a framework for creating engaging and effective learning experiences. As Mayer (2009) emphasizes, "people learn better from words and pictures than from words alone." This blog post will reflect on how I applied various learning theories throughout EDP 540, demonstrating their impact on engagement, retention, and instructional effectiveness. Module 1 - Gamifying Learning with Behaviorism Problem: The existing training was a static presentation that lacked engagement. Learners struggled to navigate course and quiz components effectively. Solution: Created a gamified learning experience incorporating points, badges, and leaderboards to drive engagement. Used positive reinforcement, such as immediate feedback, to encourage learner motivation. Integrated progress mechanics to unlock new challenges incrementally. Reflection & Key Takea...