The IT 6740 project was a group project with Sheri and Jenn. I asked to work with them because I seem to always learn more when working with a group rather than in isolation, and they are both really smart! Our project involved re-examining the Common Instructional Values that were developed in our first course in the program. We designed a web site using Weebly.com that provided additional commentary, discussion, and resources on each of the values.
During the project development and implementation process, I learned how to use Voicethread and Weebly, and I reinforced my understanding of the common instructional values.
As I reflect on what might work better next time, I would like to incorporate Joni's ideas on threaded discussion participation from her blog (Three-pronged approach to online discussions for learning):
- relevance - make an explicit connection to personal, professional, and / or academic purposes
- expectations - ask participants to do three things at the end of the discussion:
- summarize the discussion (150 - 250 words);
- share their most important contribution and why they think so;
- describe one other contribution by a classmate that was particularly valuable.
- preparation - attend to the fact that voicethread might be a new tool for some, and provide additional support.
Development Process
The development started with several conversations and brainstorming on what the project would be about. As we brainstormed, the common instructional values from our first cohort course surfaced. We decided we wanted to bring them back into focus, and gain new perspective on these from the other end of the program. We wanted to synthesize our learning experiences, theoretical foundations, and research findings in light of practical applications and Instructional Design principles.
My biggest "Aha!" in the development process came from the Voicethread that Sheri and I put together for the Contextual value. Sheri's suggestion was to use a close-up view of a situation, and then zoom out revealing an unanticipated setting to show the importance of context. I loved this idea, and "context" took on a whole new meaning to me. Based on the comments on the voicethread, I think it resonated with several of the participants, too.
Implementation Process
Implementing the project required sharing the link to the website with our classmates, and then watching for and responding to comments made in the Voicethreads. We ended up with more participation than I anticipated, which was a relief. It took awhile to get the conversation going, and I think many waited until the end to participate. Had points been attached to participation, I would have liked to use Joni's suggestions for summary posts - some kind of final reflection by participants on their thinking.
Learning Processes
Participants engaged in several learning processes, including reflection, social interaction, and interaction with images/visuals. We included these processes intentionally; the project was designed to help participants do something with the instructional values. As Smith points out, we wanted to engage participants in active testing of ideas, which is a requirement of learning. We also provided support for participants in the eCollege course shell.
My individual learning process included reflection, social interaction, and support.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed working with Sheri and Jenn, and I have a new perspective on the importance of the Common Instructional Values in instructional design.
View the project
