Posts

Defining Online and Blended Learning

-
When discussions about online and blended learning arise, they often focus on delivery methods, such as how much instruction occurs online and how much takes place face to face. Over time, my understanding of these approaches has shifted. Through experience in military and federal training environments, I have come to view online and blended learning not simply as formats, but as strategies for effective instruction, access, and continuity. In many situations, learning does not occur under ideal conditions. Learners may be geographically dispersed, working irregular schedules across time zones, or operating with limited connectivity in remote or under-resourced communities. Because of this reality, defining online and blended learning requires looking beyond technology and toward how instruction functions in real-world contexts. To me, online learning represents flexibility and stability. It allows learners to access instruction regardless of location or schedule. In federal training e...
Post a Comment
Read more

WOL Reflection: I Am Reevaluating the Curve

-
WOL Reflection: I Am Reevaluating the Curve When I began this course seven weeks ago, I placed myself on Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation curve as an Early Adopter. At the time, this felt accurate because I have always been curious about new tools and design approaches, but I also valued structure, evidence, and real use cases before investing too deeply in an innovation. I approached technology with a balance of enthusiasm and caution. My goal was to understand how something worked, test it in controlled conditions, and evaluate whether it supported both learners and organizational priorities before integrating it into a workflow. This mindset has shown up in my professional work as well. While taking this course, I have been leading the transition to MS Planner with Power Automate customization as our primary project management system, moving our training program away from static SharePoint lists and Excel sheets and toward more automated and efficient processes. That experience reinf...
Post a Comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

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 ...
Post a Comment
Read more