George Mason University
Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction
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Overview
FAll 2014
EDIT 704 was an introduction to the very idea of what Instructional Design is and what learning theories form a foundation in the field. Covering paradigms and learning theories needed to start thinking like an instructional designer, weekly reflections showed our development during the semester in terms of our thoughts and coherence of what we learned.
While learning about educational theories and what it entails in terms of design opportunities, I had the opportunity to put my knowledge into practice with an Instructors Guide project. The project required the design of a step-by-step instructional how-to which should allow a neophyte to perform the task selected. Requiring us to focus on what is being communicated and target our efforts down to the micro level to enact the strategic goal emphasizing the scale a project can take.
This course was a chance to begin sinking my teeth into the process of design through the development of an ID group project requiring each step of the instructional design process performed while following the flow of the ADDIE model. The result was an introduction to group work and teammate troubleshooting, an understanding of the design process through feedback and consultation from the professor, and witnessing the application of the theory taught. The project required us to craft a design document as well as a prototype of the concept coming to life.
The designed document focused on a scenario made by the group. It required the enactment of a solution with consideration for the audience and plans to evaluate the enacted work following implementation. During this course, I finally began “getting it” in terms of how an instructional designer’s mind was oriented around a concept to begin designing.
Spring 2015
This course provided me the opportunity to analyze what ID interventions in the field of business and beyond entailed through stories of organizations that provided a high-level evaluation of the problems and solutions enacted. Analyzing the myriad of interacting people, institutions, and work roles that are present in the workplace allowed for a deeper understanding of what the workplace environment consists of. The final project of the class required me to write up a business case which entailed the designing of a formal business proposal proposing a course of action in the workplace to address a need or shortcoming which allowed me to see how hard of a sell a proposed alteration can be especially when it is divergent to past workflow.
EDIT 730 was the third course in the line of EDIT 704 and 705’s building upon theory and practice. EDIT 730 required me to examine learning environments found in the wider world by identifying, analyzing, and disseminating why these were examples of learning paradigms and models. The class project required the selection, design, and creation of a prototype learning environment. Enacting the project allowed me to construct a fictitious internship program that let me design based on a previous internship experience which has me desirous to see it come to life within my current workplace!
Summer 2015
EDIT 526 focused upon universal design for environments and technologies with emphasis on accessiblity in tools and methods for learning as well as in work environments for users with various disabilities while also understanding the opportunities gained in doing so. Having never considered such design in the context of being universally beneficial, it was an eye-opening experience with considerations of my own workplace given as an example for improvement. The crafting of a policy document involved the analysis of current policies or environments and required the proposition of an alternative policy incorporating universal design principles. The document emphasized to me that such a design requires more emphasis on selling the benefit of the solution to others than it does take to enact them usually.
EDIT 590 introduced me to the field of research as it relates to ID with the creation of a research proposal on a topic of interest to me. Following the selection of a topic, readings and class resources introduced me to research designs through which my proposal could be conducted with a step-by-step breakdown of every portion of an academic paper. In learning the relevant material, we assembled our papers. In doing so I also gained an appreciation for the utility of such as thorough breakdown of the research as a timesaving method as should I hope to enact an initiative in the future I can find previous results of efforts undertaken.
FAll 2015
Description: Explores current best practices and techniques required to deliver effective learning content through mobile devices. Students learn pedagogical approaches to mobile learning as well as investigate various mobile platforms and applications.
Design Project- National Parks Apps Presentation
Design Project- National Park App Powerpoint
Course Description: Enables students to create and publish a digital portfolio that demonstrates effective and meaningful integration and synthesis of instructional design and technology concepts, principles, and competencies learned across program courses at a mid-degree program point.
Course Description: Enables design, implementation, and evaluation of technology-based education and training materials using advanced computer-based authoring tools.
- Design Project: Deliverable 1
Design Project: Deliverable 2- Led Team
Design Project: Deliverable 3
Design Project: Deliverable 4
Design Project: Deliverable 5
Design Project: Deliverable 6
*see EDIT 752 for continuation of design project*
Spring 2016
Description: Enables students to create and publish a digital portfolio that demonstrates effective and meaningful integration and synthesis of instructional design and technology concepts, principles, and competencies learned across program courses at the end-degree program point.
Description: Students design and produce multimedia/hypermedia applications based on current theory and research in instructional design and cognitive science. Examines user needs, information models, structure, and media selection and uses to inform the design and production of the final project.
Design Project: Deliverable 1
Design Project: Deliverable 2
Design Project: Deliverable 3
Description: Provides an overview of media and technology tools used in teaching, learning, and training. Focuses on developing skills necessary to implement digital media approaches using a systematic design process.