Week 9 

Learners are very diverse. They have a wide range of strengths and weaknesses, and different readiness; interests; and ability levels.  Every learner has a unique perspective.  My commitment to instructional design is to provide an inclusive, accessible, and meaningful learning environment to diverse learners.  

I, as an instructional designer, will focus on learners’ needs. I will create a meaningful learning environment that fosters active learning where learners can engage in appropriate cognitive processing including attending to relevant materials, organizing them into coherent representations, and integrating them with relevant prior knowledge (Mayer, 2014). 

With this commitment in mind, I take a multi-step approach in alignment with the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) model by using the reflection method in examining each design situation. An ID model that is a very detailed and thorough process. The analysis of learners, needs, problems, solutions, stakeholders, environments, and required resources will help me create a blueprint with instructional strategies and the use of tools and technologies to achieve learning objectives and desired results that are tested, revised, and implemented.

Evaluating the instruction and learner performance will help in continually revising and improving the quality of the learning environment. I will ensure to involve all stakeholders including learners in each step of the ADDIE model.

I believe that instructional materials and learning environments must be inclusive and accessible to every learner. The Universal Design Principles for Learning (UDL) principles and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) will permeate all aspects of instructional design to ensure that the learning environment can capture different dynamic features of each learner in a meaningful authentic way so that the learning feels powerful for them.   

Technology can effectively support learning and increase the accessibility of the learning environment. It is important to choose and use technology intentionally and grounded in both the needs of our learners and in the enhancement of learners’ abilities to achieve the learning outcomes. 

By implementing every step in the ADDIE model, and UDL principles, and compliant with AODA, I believe I can design a learning environment that facilitates collaboration, immersion in a meaningful learning experience, and engagement in active learning processes.