Moreover, the course fostered a sense of community among participants. We shared our experiences, provided constructive feedback, and supported one another through challenges. This collaborative environment enhanced my learning experience and expanded my professional network.
One of the most rewarding aspects was the immediate impact of applying these principles in real-world scenarios when we were asked to create our own professional development presentation. By developing a training module for colleagues, the knowledge I gained proved practical and transformative. After finishing my presentation, I realized the need to incorporate additional activities to engage my colleagues instead of just having them sit and watch. Therefore, I managed to include one more activity. My professional development presentation focused on Gifted students and the gifted process for students in grades 2 to 7. I believe that the most effective instructional tools I utilized were GIFs and the color scheme of my presentation. Click on this, Gifted PD link to see how I designed my Gifted PD for my colleagues.
Throughout the course, I gained valuable insights on Instructional Design from the provided resources and assigned readings. The video below was particularly beneficial as I crafted my design blueprint. It offered practical examples and step-by-step guidance. Engaging with the material helped me understand how to create learner-centered experiences that are both effective and engaging.
Moreover, the discussions with peers allowed me to see different perspectives and innovative approaches to instructional design. These interactions were instrumental in broadening my understanding and sparking new ideas. The video below helped with designing use Canva to present my PD.
The ADDIE model for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation provided a clear framework for structuring my professional development program.
In the Analysis phase, I identified my audience's specific learning needs by conducting thorough needs assessments and reviewing existing data. I learned that my new job placement never hired a gifted specialist, and the faculty would need training in gifted education. Instructional designers use a needs analysis process to determine the problem's source. Brown and Green (2024) state, "To do this, specific information is needed. This information is gathered by the instructional designer through various means, such as interviews, observations, and reviews of available artifacts" (p. 7). During the Design phase, I outlined the learning objectives, selected appropriate instructional strategies, and determined the assessment methods. This stage involved creating detailed plans and blueprints for the instructional materials and activities. The Development phase involved creating instructional materials based on the design specifications. While designing my PD, I knew I wanted the materials to be as meaningful and engaging as possible. Some describe learning as being “social.” The physicist Freeman Dyson wrote that when writing, he closes the door. Still, when doing science, he leaves it open because “up to a point you welcome being interrupted because it is only by interacting with other people that you get anything interesting done (Clark,1995). My PD included writing content, designing interactive activities, and producing multimedia elements. Each component was crafted with the learners' needs and goals to maximize engagement and effectiveness. I incorporated visuals, videos, and colors into my PD presentation to be vibrant and inviting. In fact, Brown and Green (2024) state, "Instructional designers are responsible for communicating ideas efficiently and effectively. This often includes being able to produce visual media" (p. 238).
Implementation was the next step, where the instructional materials and activities were delivered to the learners. This phase also included training teachers and ensuring they were well-prepared to support the learners throughout the school year. Although I have not done this phase of the model yet, I look forward to supporting my colleagues.
Finally, the Evaluation phase allowed me to assess the program's effectiveness. Forma and summative evaluations were conducted to gather feedback and measure learning outcomes. This information was invaluable for making necessary adjustments and improvements to the program.
Overall, the ADDIE model provided a structured and methodical approach to developing a high-quality professional development program that met the specific needs of my audience.
References
Brown, A. H., & Green, T. D. (Year). The essentials of instructional design: Connecting fundamental principles with process and practice. Taylor & Francis
Clark, D. (1995, July 13). Big dog & little dog's performance juxtaposition. Knowledge Jump. https://knowledgejump.com/index.html
Instructure: The Makers of Canvas. (2023, July 1). Best practices for Canvas course design [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1742731lpY
Slade, T. (2024, June 10). Welcome to The eLearning Designer's Academy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3UYrYiTZkA
