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Kessler Syndrome and the Art of Learning Design: A Reflection on Building and Becoming

  Using Storyline 360 to Build an eLearning Module: The Kessler Syndrome Primer This past month, this project has been one of the most challenging and most rewarding parts of my graduate certificate program. Creating my Kessler Syndrome Primer module in Articulate Storyline 360 pushed me to think beyond the surface level of design. I didn't just acquire new software skills; I learned how to transform an idea into an interactive, accessible, and meaningful experience. When I began this program, I assumed building an eLearning module meant putting together slides, quizzes, and a few interactive pieces. Effective design goes much deeper. It's about crafting learning experiences that foster critical thinking, informed decision-making, and practical application in the real world. In this reflection, I'll discuss what went smoothly, what didn't, what challenged me most, and where I think eLearning is headed next. Developing My eLearning Module The Creative Launch: Planning an...
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Reflection: A Review of the Best and the Worst Digital Learning Experiences

My Journey with Digital Learning:  The Best, the Worst, and What I Learned Along the Way I’ve taken a lot of online courses over the years. Some were mandatory boxes to check, while others I signed up for because I was genuinely curious. And here’s the truth: some of those experiences inspired me, challenged me, and stayed with me long after they ended. Others? Well… let’s say I was watching the clock the whole time, waiting for that “completion” badge to pop up. What I’ve learned is that it’s not just the topic that determines whether a course is effective, but also the design. How the lessons are structured, how I’m asked to engage, and even how the course “talks” to me, those choices make all the difference between a forgettable obligation and something that sparks real growth. Let me share two courses that stand out: one that fell flat, and one that really changed me. Looking back now, I can see exactly why one worked and the other didn’t, thanks to Mayer’s Multimedia Principle...

From Teacher to Learning Designer: Strengthening My Communication in the Field

  Communication Strength: Visual Storytelling Rooted in Empathy Among the core communication skills, I am most confident in visual storytelling. As a former classroom teacher transitioning into the field of learning design, visual communication has been one of the most effective tools I’ve used to connect with learners and simplify complex information. In my teaching career, I often relied on visuals to create engaging learning environments. For instance, when teaching students about the Revolutionary War, I created online learning environments with embedded videos, interactive photos that highlighted key vocabulary, illustrated learning maps that guided students through the material using icons, arrows, and simple diagrams rather than relying solely on text. These visual tools helped my students engage with content more independently and with greater confidence. The visual elements didn’t just aid comprehension; they told a story that made the material feel more approachable and r...

AEA Competencies: LDT 506 End of Course Reflection

Reflection on Evaluator Competencies and Growth As I wrap up this course on evaluation, I have been thinking a lot about how far I have come in understanding what it means to be an evaluator. Looking at the AEA Evaluator Competencies after completing the course, I rated myself; I gave myself a 4 out of 5—somewhere between "understanding" and "expert," which I would need to have more evaluation experience to be able to rate myself at that level. I improved in some areas in the AEA Evaluator Competencies, but overall, I feel I could use more real-world practice and rate myself at a 3.5 or "neutral" level of expertise.  I would not call myself an expert, but I have grown from feeling unsure and overwhelmed to having a solid foundation I can build on. This growth has come from the hands-on approach provided in LDT 506. Working through an entire evaluation process, with the support of my assigned team, helped me grow my analytical skills.  At first, the terms a...