Cristi Van Horn Instructional Design

  What is the difference between online and blended learning? Watson describes the difference between online learning and blended learning by describing the mode of transferring the information. Online learning includes only online delivery of instruction, while blended learning combines online learning tools with face-to-face instruction (Watson, p. 2). I would go even further and suggest that online learning in its most pure form is online instruction delivered by a computer without an instructor, while blended learning may have the same online instruction with an instructor present either online or face-to-face. Blended or hybrid learning combines components of online learning such as elearning courses and online training, but there is also face-to-face interaction with an instructor either online or in person. Blended learning includes some synchronous learning where the instructor and learner are in the same “place” (in person or online) at the same time and will likely also i...

Click the image to view the slide presentation on Thorndike's Behaviorist Learning Theory and it's applications to learning design today.

  This image represents the learning and instructional design team as a group of lifelong learners who must constantly learn new technology and skills as they work together in a rapidly changing digital world. Image Source: Civil Service College Singapore My personal definition of learning design is the creation of learning experiences that are tailored to the learner, the environment, and the content of an objective or set of objectives. Learning design can be used by a teacher to create lessons and learning activities in a classroom setting, a community college or university to design effective online learning experiences, or by any company or organization that has goals to onboard and upskill its employees or create training for staff and customers.  I often think of learning design from a digital perspective with examples ranging from the creation of instructor-led online courses, to self-directed, asynchronous training for new employees. Technology plays a crucial role in...

The first completely self-directed eLearning design mock up that I created with my design team is linked below from Google Sites. This is made to replicate Canvas as an educational LMS platform that is easy to use for the designers and learners. The planning and design process was an excellent learning experience for an up-and-coming instructional designer and I found my background as an educator and experience using Canvas to be extremely helpful.  As a team, we first used the provided needs assessment and background information provided by the university to create a content and task analysis with appropriate learning objectives and learning activities designed into the course.  We were tasked with designing a course that would help teach university professors the technology and process of editing a course introduction video using DaVinci Resolve video editing software. An important first step in this process was to consult with the SME's (subject matter experts) in determini...

 

As a career educator and technology enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to teach in many settings, including remotely, as well as to teach many different types of learners. My passion for education and eLearning has led me to pursue a career in Instructional Design. As I continue my education and career in this field, I have several goals that I would like to establish. My ultimate goal is to find a job in instructional design and continue to improve my skills in the future. To that end, I have a short-term goal of gaining familiarity and basic competency in at least 1 LMS design tool or application such as Storyline 360. I also have a medium-term goal of being able to create at least a 2 module or 30 minute course from start to finish with appropriate learning activities aligned to learning objectives. My long-term goal is to create and continue to add to a personal portfolio with at least 3 different instructional design deliverables such as infographics, images, and LMS courses t...

Educational designers have to be multi-talented and life-long learners! As you will read below, designing eLearning is a process that requires expert educational knowledge and understanding of learning theory, creativity, constant growth and embracing of new technology, collaboration, excellent writing and communication skills, and attracts highly organized, detail-oriented, and results driven teammates.  I know, it sounds like a lot and may even feel overwhelming, however, many of these "soft skills" are developed in previous work and life experiences and you're probably closer than you realize!  Consider one or two of the highlighted areas listed below and start there. Make a plan to brush up on your Google or Microsoft Suite skills, or take a class to upskill and learn an LMS. Read about adult learning theory or practice writing by staring your own blog! Whatever you do and wherever you start, I encourage you to begin with the end in mind: finding a career that you lov...