I've learned a lot in this final phase of designing and evaluating our module. Conducting evaluations was a great way to help us iron out the flow of our module. For example, we got great feedback on the opening activity for checking prior knowledge. Originally, we planned on including a self-rating activity for learners to share their confidence and experience with strategic grouping. After getting feedback on how this gives learners the opportunity to rate themself falsely, we took recommendations and instead decided to open up with a multiple choice activity so learners can better assess their knowledge on what they will be learning, which also gives them the opportunity to see where there is room for growth.
The most rewarding aspect of this challenge project was seeing how our final module formed based on all the background research and planning we conducted as a team. It was a rewarding process, and I found myself applying learnings from findings and readings in every design decision we made for our module.
Team work definitely makes the dream work! Each member of this team brought forward their strengths when completing each milestone of this project. Coming together to share ideas and brainstorm activities and features of this module was incredibly rewarding and helped with my own learning around instructional design.
The final phase of the design process was exciting, challenging, and supported the development of a myriad of skills. Throughout my time working on 'ELL Support', I have been able to make numerous connections to the overreaching goals outlined at the beginning of this course. To begin, in designing a comprehensive and engaging learning solution on Articulate 360, I was able to hone my design skills by identifying effective media and technology to integrate into the lesson, understand the various affordances and constraints of those medias and technologies, and utilize ideation strategies to produce an effective learning design solution in the form of a prototype. By incorporating formative assessments into the course, the team and I were able to craft a design solution that affords its learners with measurable and observable learning outcomes.
One aspect of this design phase that I particularly enjoyed was being able to test our learning solution with real users. The team and I conducted several usability tests where we received valuable feedback related to the design and content of the course. Since we tested with general education teachers (our primary learner), the feedback was incredibly useful and guided further iterations of our design.
Undoubtedly, the greatest lesson gleaned from this phase underscores the indispensability of testing. Embracing adaptability and refinement in response to user feedback allowed me to create a stronger, more effective design. Collaborating closely with my team throughout this endeavor underscored the perils of tunnel vision, and highlighted how important it is to remain receptive to diverse perspectives when designing a learning intervention.
I think the most important thing I learned is how to conduct a thorough evaluation. Mastering this skill has empowered me to critically assess various aspects of educational programs and projects with precision and depth. By integrating both qualitative and quantitative research methods, I can now collect a diverse range of data, from detailed behavioral observations to numerical performance metrics. This holistic approach allows me to draw comprehensive conclusions that not only highlight areas of success but also pinpoint opportunities for improvement.
The most challenging part I encountered is decision-making. I have two really great teammates who respect everyone's ideas, which sometimes makes it hard to reach decisions quickly. To address this, we decided to implement a method of randomly assigning tasks. This approach minimizes the time spent deliberating over who should take on which responsibilities, ensuring that all team members have equal opportunities to contribute across different aspects of the project. This method not only speeds up our decision-making process but also helps us avoid potential biases and ensures a fair distribution of work.
The bravest decision we made was to take on Articulate 360, especially since we had already developed a site using Google Sites. This choice required us to step outside our comfort zones and tackle a platform with a steeper learning curve and more complex functionalities. By embracing this challenge, we aimed to enhance the interactivity and effectiveness of our educational content, believing that the advanced features of Articulate 360 could better engage learners and offer a more dynamic learning experience. This decision not only tested our technical skills but also our ability to adapt and learn quickly under pressure, ultimately contributing to a more robust and versatile project outcome.