Ok, so I start here, but where IS here???

I have begun to consider my present and future as a instructional designer? How do I determine the strategy and materials most appropriate for (1) the audience, (2) the objectives/outcomes, (3) and the sustainability of the learning. I keep in mind that learning theories are varied and plentiful, and they all espouse valid foundations for delivering and understanding content, but they are "tools"; and therefore, as a designer, it is important to select the right "tool" for the job. I have found some helpful links to information that can help me sort through some of my questions. Ok, how can I chose the best model?

(1) First, know your instructional audience:

Florida Gulf Coast University offers clear and concise information to prospective designers, providing guiding considerations that help to give a definition to the target learner taking the classes: they walk the designer through questions that consider a student's prior knowledge and learning styles, technical abilities, and experience with online learning skills (i.e. self- motivated, independent, organized etc.).

They offer much, much more in the form of priorities to consider in the development of curriculum, organization ,and delivery. The site is user friendly and well organized. It is concise and well presented; a very good resource for beginning designers.

http://www.fgcu.edu/onlinedesign/designDev.html

elearning space also gave me very good information about further considerations for the development and design of online learning modules.

http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm

For example eleaningspace presents some additional information to consider.

Significant trends in learning:

• "Many learners will move into a variety of different, possibly unrelated fields over the course of their lifetime.
  
• Informal learning is a significant aspect of our learning experience. Formal education no longer comprises the majority of our learning. Learning now occurs in a variety of ways – through communities of practice, personal networks, and through completion of work-related tasks.
  
• Learning is a continual process, lasting for a lifetime. Learning and work related activities are no longer separate. In many situations, they are the same.
  
• Technology is altering (rewiring) our brains. The tools we use define and shape our thinking.
  
• The organization and the individual are both learning organisms. Increased attention to knowledge management highlights the need for a theory that attempts to explain the link between individual and organizational learning.
  
• Many of the processes previously handled by learning theories (especially in cognitive information processing) can now be off-loaded to, or supported by, technology.
  
• Know-how and know-what is being supplemented with know-where (the understanding of where to find knowledge needed"
  

As the design model is the foundation on which the instructional concept is created, it is a matter using good information (assessment results and observational information we gather) to selecting the appropriate design for the best possible outcome

For me, learning and teaching at the K-12 level begins with understanding that I am dealing with a new generation of digital learners: This is a controversial issue that I would love to gather more information on. Is it relevant to consider the evolving (digital) learning characteristics of Generation "Y" ? Some say "yes"; others, "no".

What do you think?
http://learning-2.learnhub.com/lesson/1528-gen-y-and-digital-learning-styles. Digital Natives, Are They Really Skilled at Multitasking?
vs. http://www.openeducation.net/2009/09/23/digital-natives-are-they-really-skilled-at-multitasking/

I would love to get your opinion... Digital Natives, Are They Really Skilled at Multitasking?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEZM6nUhKW8

Here are a few more interesting links I'd like to share:

+ The Blank Stare: Developing Foundational Cognitive Structures

http://dyslexia.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/developing-foundational-cognitive-structures/

Jean Piaget - Intellectual Development

http://www.sk.com.br/sk-piage.html

Instructional Design & Learning Theory

http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers/mergel/brenda.htm

By Peter J. Patsula,
Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul. 1999

http://www.patsula.com/usefo/webbasedlearning/tutorial1/learning_theories_full_version.html

Learning Theory and Instructional Design

Gregory McLeod

http://courses.durhamtech.edu/tlc/www/html/learningmatters/learning_theory.pdf

And the Journey Begins...

I browsed many pages recently looking for just the right sites to begin to build my educational design e- toolbox. I found a few sites that I liked very much. The first site 'The ION network' or Illinois Online Network , provides a comprehensive variety of resources " ION Seeks to Promote the Effective Use of Networked Information Technologies, to Enhance Traditional Classroom Instruction, and to Build the Foundation for Developing, Delivering, and Supporting Online Education Throughout the World." The range of information covers a broad spectrum of online educational resources, blogs, tutorials, and professional development. So whether you are a facilitator looking for asynchronous discussion strategies, or a designer looking for a perspective on instructional design models or learning styles in the online environment , this is the place to look. The site is an academically sponsored site from the University of Illinois and it is a must see for the online educator or administrator.


The e-earning coach is another tool I found in my web travels . This site was created by Connie Malamed and provides the e-designer with a breadth of information and resources for discussion which include: design, understanding a variety of learning issues, and current professional articles. The site provides a nice section for discussion on medias and e-learning 2.0 in general. The RSS feed is available to participate in and stay current with ongoing interaction and new post ,and the site is not specifically focused for the educational institutions, but has a nice open content that appeals and applies to the business and private sector, as well as the academic community. I liked the discussions on using social medias as a learning tool and the emerging "cloud computing" that includes wikis and POD casts and various software tools. Really, check it out . It is user friendly, absolutely usable tools and information, easy to navigate, and inviting to participate (not pretentious or intimidating what-so- ever)


The final link for today is one that I found as a part of the Linkedin social network. If you haven't already set one up, my understanding is that this is one of the foremost networking mediums for professionals. Now I know why. I searched this group for any connections to educational design, and BANG, tons of communities! I think that this venue is emerging and still developing; however, the idea of a community based upon our specific needs as instructional designers is awesome. I have subscribed to Instructional Design & E-Learning Professionals' Group and will continue to participate and monitor the discussions which are relevant to topics of learning, software and media, legislation, and technology trends. This site provides job resources, and great opportunities to build professional connections and networks within the field of instructional design and e- learning.