Our text defines instructional design as “using a systematic design process” (Morrison, G. R., Ross, Kalman & Kemp, 2011, p. 6).
The field of instructional design has expanded due to the “growth of technology, increase in distance learning, reliance on the Internet and prevalence of computers” (Cennamo & Kalk, 2005. p. 273). Instructional designers are people equipped with “systematic skills, tools to understand learners, develop effective stand-alone instructional materials and conduct evaluations” (Cennamo & Kalk, 2005. p. 273).
Before starting this course of study I at first found myself enrolled in another well-respected university, but soon realized the program was not exactly what I was looking for. I could have become an exceptional online instructor, but I wanted to use my background to become more. Upon researching the Walden opportunity and learning more about the field of instructional design, I had the costly realization and am now more appropriately positioned for a future in a field I really had no idea was so vast.
However, it was encouraging to learn about specialists versus generalists in the field of instructional design. This information also answered a burning question I had about being able to utilize my many years of experience in media production. It confirmed these beliefs when I read about how project managers, or producers, deliver these products on time and within budgetary constraints. (Cennamo & Kalk, 2005. p. 274) This is well within my realm of experience.
In the book, “Building Expertise: Cognitive Methods for Training and Performance Improvement” Ruth Colvin Clark breaks down several psychological theories and describes how instructional methods can improve learning. (Colvin-Clark, 2008) I can relate to this information, due to the fact that I am finding the various methods of instruction to be beneficial to me in gaining a true understanding of the material covered in my course resources. I can also relate to Martha Frazier’s testimonial within the “Stories from the Field” and was able to affect her community in a positive way. I too, have a desire to help people and to teach self-sufficiency.
References
Cennamo, K., & Kalk, D. (2005). Real world instructional design. Chapter 12. The Professional Designer. Canada: Wadsworth. p. 273.
Colvin-Clark, Ruth. (2008). Building Expertise: Cognitive methods for training and performance improvement. Pfeiffer & Company.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (n.d.) “Stories from the field” [Video webcast] [with Martha Frazier] Retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureatemedia.com/Walden/EIDT/6100/CH/mm/eidt6100_instructional_design.html
Morrison, G. R., Ross, S. M., Kalman, H. K., & Kemp, J. E. (2011). Designing effective instruction (6th ed.). Chapter 1. Introduction to the Instructional Design Process. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. p. 6.