March 3, 2025 | Frank Señeriz Vega
Reflecting on my experience in EDLD 5318: Instructional Design for Online Learning, I recognize significant growth in my understanding of online learning and its impact on the learner's experience. This course challenged me to move beyond simply creating content and to consider how users engage with the platform. I learned to prioritize making the learning experience more intuitive, accessible, and user centered. As a reflection of my efforts and growth, I am assigning myself a score of 95, acknowledging my strengths while recognizing areas for continued improvement.
One of the most valuable aspects of this course was the emphasis on usability and accessibility. Initially, my focus was on designing comprehensive content, but through course activities and collaborative discussions, I realized the importance of considering how learners navigate and interact with that content. This shift in perspective led me to incorporate usability testing as a core component of my design process. Receiving and implementing feedback was instrumental in refining my work and ensuring that my course was accessible to a diverse range of learners. For example, when creating my ePortfolio, I encountered challenges with navigation and user engagement. Through multiple rounds of feedback from my peers, I made adjustments to improve the clarity of instructions, the organization of materials, and the overall user experience.
Collaboration played a pivotal role in my learning process throughout the course. Much of this collaboration occurred within our GroupMe chat, where I engaged with many colleagues who provided valuable insights. In particular, Sarah Enger, Kevin Quintero, and Monique Richardson were instrumental in my growth. Through our discussions, I gained diverse perspectives on instructional design strategies, accessibility considerations, and practical problem-solving approaches. Whether troubleshooting technical issues on the ePortfolio, exchanging feedback on course structure, or brainstorming ways to enhance learner engagement, these conversations enriched my understanding and helped me refine my final product. Their consistent support and willingness to share their expertise significantly contributed to my learning and success in this course.
The process of creating a course from the ground up was an invaluable learning experience. Utilizing the three-column table to map out the course structure provided a clear framework for aligning learning objectives with assessments and instructional activities. This structured approach allowed me to be intentional in my design choices and maintain a focus on learner outcomes. Once the planning phase was complete, I faced the challenge of selecting and working within a Learning Management System (LMS). This decision required careful consideration of how to best deliver content while ensuring that learners could easily navigate and engage with the material. Through trial, error, and collaboration, I gained a deeper understanding of the relationship between technology and pedagogy.
A key takeaway from this course is the importance of usability testing as an essential, not optional, step in the instructional design process. Conducting usability tests and gathering feedback allowed me to identify areas where learners might struggle and make necessary adjustments. For instance, I revised several modules based on peer feedback to improve navigation and ensure consistency in the presentation of content. This process of design, testing, and revision has reshaped my approach to instructional design. I now view feedback as a continuous improvement tool rather than a final checkpoint.
While I am proud of my progress, I recognize that there is always room for growth. One area I will continue to develop is expanding my collaboration with a wider variety of stakeholders. Engaging with a diverse group for usability testing can provide a more comprehensive understanding of how different learners interact with the content. Moving forward, I aim to involve a broader range of voices to ensure my designs meet the needs of all learners. Additionally, I plan to deepen my technical proficiency with various LMS platforms to further enhance the user experience and ensure the seamless delivery of content.
Assigning myself a score of 95 reflects my engagement, adaptability, and willingness to learn from feedback. Throughout the course, I demonstrated a commitment to improving my instructional design skills, embraced collaborative learning, and applied best practices in usability and accessibility. My work was informed by ongoing dialogue with my peers and a reflective approach to problem-solving. While I successfully implemented usability testing and made meaningful improvements, I recognize that instructional design is an evolving process. There are always new strategies to explore and refine.
This course has equipped me with the tools and insights to create more effective and inclusive online learning experiences. I am eager to apply these lessons in future instructional design projects, where I will continue to prioritize usability, accessibility, and learner-centered approaches. My collaborative experiences have reinforced the value of shared knowledge and diverse perspectives. As I move forward, I will continue to seek opportunities for collaboration and strive to create learning environments that are both engaging and accessible to all learners.