Thinking about all the classes you took this year, which ones were your favorites? Why was that?

Reflecting on my time in the IDT program, I genuinely enjoyed all the courses I took, each contributing uniquely to my growth as an instructional designer. The structure and scaffolding of the program effectively connected my prior knowledge with new skills, but it was the professors’ expertise and genuine interest in my development that truly enhanced my experience.

One standout course for me was MDL501 - Mastery: Personal Development and Leadership with Dr. Daniel Spellman. This course was instrumental in preparing me for the accelerated master's program, helping me define my purpose and motivating me to dive deeper into my studies. Reading Mastery by Robert Greene, an author I admire, added to my excitement. Dr. Spellman’s knowledge in personal development and marketing resonated with my background and further fueled my passion for learning.

Another favorite was EDM553 - Visual and Verbal Communication in Instructional Design and EME6630 - Learning Management Systems and Organization with Dr. Tommi Barrett-Greenly. These courses boosted my confidence and allowed me to realize my potential as an instructional designer. Although I struggled with Adobe Captivate, Dr. Barrett-Greenly was always available to assist me, and I felt empowered to transform my instructional ideas into reality.

I also appreciated the back-to-back courses, IDT552 - Corporate Training and Motivational Development and IDT574 - Digital Media and Learning Applications, with Dr. Rebecca Meeder. The one-on-one collaboration in IDT552 was valuable, as I was the only student in one of the courses. Dr. Meeder included me in the course redesign process, making me feel valued and respected. Similarly, IDT520 - Strategies for Learner Engagement with Dr. Chris Deason pushed me to think critically about my offerings, and I appreciated his reflective feedback.

In EME6227 - Game Strategies and Motivation with Dr. Colleen Cleveland, Dr. Cleveland’s enthusiasm for gamification furthered my interest in learner psychology and its applications. Finally, in IDT690 - Instructional Design and Technology Final Project with Dr. Sharon Wiley, her acknowledgment of our hard work in the accelerated program helped me appreciate my achievements over the year.

Each course provided unique insights and experiences, making my journey through the program both enriching and transformative.

What does your selection of projects in your final portfolio say about you as an instructional designer? How do you show evidence of that role?

My portfolio projects reflect the diversity of my skills as an instructional designer and highlight my ability to create adaptable, engaging, and practical learning experiences. Each project I selected combines my prior experience with the new techniques I have developed, showcasing my versatility in addressing different learning contexts and needs.

One of the main themes across my portfolio is versatility in design. The projects range from practical gardening lessons, like growing a lemon tree from seeds, to more conceptual and personal development strategies, such as cultivating a growth mindset. Additionally, my work on customer service training for a café illustrates my ability to apply instructional techniques across various domains, tailoring content based on the specific needs of different learners and industries.

Another aspect my portfolio highlights is my focus on real-world application. I design learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. The lemon tree video offers step-by-step instructions on gardening, while the growth mindset workbook provides actionable strategies for both personal and professional development. The café training, on the other hand, directly addresses improving customer service skills. Each project prioritizes practical outcomes, ensuring learners can immediately apply what they’ve learned.

Engagement is another key component of my work. The interactive workbook on growth mindset, for example, emphasizes active learning through reflection exercises, quizzes, and interactive elements. This hands-on approach helps foster deeper understanding and participation from learners, moving beyond passive content consumption.

My portfolio projects illustrate my strength in designing comprehensive, practical, and engaging learning experiences. They show how I employ multiple modalities to meet diverse learner needs while focusing on outcomes that empower individuals to apply knowledge in real-life scenarios. Through this approach, I demonstrate my adaptability and commitment to delivering instructional materials that make a lasting impact.

Think about the skills you learned this year. What skills do you know now that you didn't know before beginning the program? What is the evidence of those skills?

Before starting the IDT program, my understanding of instructional design was limited to traditional media and communication techniques. While I had a natural ability to teach, I didn’t fully grasp the systematic processes involved in instructional design. Over the past year, this journey has been transformative, expanding my knowledge of planning, developing, and delivering educational content. The program equipped me with new tools and techniques, particularly in creating learner-centered materials that integrate multimedia and interactivity. Now, I confidently apply these insights and strategies to enhance the effectiveness and engagement of my projects.

One skill I have learned is how to effectively apply visual literacy in designing instructional videos. Before the program, I knew the basics of video production, but I didn’t fully grasp how to design videos specifically for learning. Now, I understand how to create clear, engaging instructional videos that enhance comprehension through strategic visual choices. My lemon tree instructional video is evidence of this. By simplifying complex steps into easy-to-follow visuals and clear narration, I have made the learning process more accessible for beginners.

I also honed my skills in developing interactive learning experiences. Before this program, I primarily created static content, but I now understand the value of interactive elements in fostering deeper engagement and retention. The growth mindset workbook project is a prime example of this. By incorporating quizzes, reflective exercises, and actionable tasks, I have created a more engaging and hands-on experience for learners. This interactive design shows how I have grown in my ability to make learning dynamic and immersive.

Lastly, I have learned how to tailor instructional content to address specific business challenges. My café customer service training demonstrates my ability to assess a performance gap and create targeted instructional interventions to solve it. This project shows my growth in understanding how to align training with business goals, ensuring that learning solutions are not only educational but also impactful in real-world scenarios.

The skills I have developed throughout the program are clearly reflected in my portfolio. Whether it's visual literacy in video production, creating interactive content, or designing business-focused training, each project serves as evidence of my growth as a well-rounded instructional designer.

Showcase of Instructional Design and Technology Projects

This portfolio page showcases a curated selection of projects that highlight my journey and growth as an instructional designer over the past year. Each project represents a unique intersection of creativity, technology, and pedagogy, reflecting my commitment to developing effective, learner-centered solutions. From multimedia presentations to interactive workbook, the projects illustrate my ability to leverage various design methodologies and tools to enhance educational experiences. Through this diverse collection, visitors and potential clients can gain insights into my design process, the skills I’ve acquired, and my vision for fostering engagement and learning in various contexts. I invite you to explore these projects and discover the innovative approaches I’ve employed in my work.