ELDT 6100: Foundations of Learning, Design, and Technology

ELDT 6100 is the introductory course for the Learning, Design, and Technology (LDT) program graduate students. This course is an overview and introduction to the broad field of Learning, Design, and Technology and its close relationship to media and information technology research, instructional design, and the psychology of learning. Participants will engage in this by both reading and writing about the field and history of learning, design, and technology, conducting research in the field, and conducting design work. Of particular interest in this course are the notions of culture in Learning, Design, and Technology, as well as theory-driven design and development. In this course, we will explore the foundational literature in learning, design, and technology, examine its trajectory of development, and speculate on its future.

Course Assignments

Group Research Projects - Annotated Bibliography

Collaborate with peers on a research project to deepen understanding of a selected topic within the course, enhancing teamwork and research skills. Here is the link to our first group project, Ethical Considerations of AI in Education: Annotated Bibliography.

Through our collaborative research project, "Ethical Considerations of AI in Education: Annotated Bibliography," I gained valuable insights into teamwork and research methodologies. This experience deepened my understanding of a pertinent topic in our field and emphasized the importance of collective decision-making when selecting resources.

We learned how to vet and choose high-quality resources effectively, ensuring our work is credible and impactful. Additionally, the project provided an excellent opportunity to refine our skills in APA 7th edition formatting, allowing us to present our findings professionally and scholarly. Overall, this project highlighted the power of collaboration in enhancing our research skills and fostering a deeper engagement with the ethical implications of AI in education.

Definition Paper

Course participants were asked to write a paper that defines and explores a concept or key term related to Learning, Design, and Technology, grounding it in relevant literature. Here is the link to my Definition Paper.

Completing the Definitions paper assignment allowed me to dive deeply into a key concept within the realm of Learning, Design, and Technology. This experience challenged me to define the term and explore its broader implications within the field. By grounding my analysis in relevant literature, I enhanced my critical thinking skills and developed a more nuanced understanding of the concept's significance. This assignment also sharpened my research abilities as I navigated various academic sources to construct a well-rounded perspective. Ultimately, this project reinforced my appreciation for the intricacies of educational technology and its impact on learning environments.

Program Portfolio

Build a portfolio to showcase your work and reflections from the course, with multiple drafts for developmental feedback. Here is the link to my portfolio.

The Portfolio assignment gave me a unique opportunity to reflect on my work, background, and experiences while developing a cohesive online presence. By building a website to showcase my achievements, I honed my digital design and content curation skills, ensuring that my portfolio effectively communicates my journey and capabilities.

This project also emphasized the importance of iterative feedback; through multiple drafts, I could refine my presentation and narrative, enhancing the overall quality of my portfolio. Ultimately, this assignment deepened my understanding of effectively conveying my professional identity and aspirations in the digital space, preparing me for future opportunities in my field.

Application Project

Develop a project proposal, draft, and final product applying course concepts to a practical instructional or design project, iteratively refining it based on feedback.

The Application project was a pivotal experience in my learning journey, allowing me to translate theoretical concepts into a practical instructional design project. Throughout the process of developing a project proposal, draft, and final product, I learned the importance of iterative refinement based on constructive feedback. This approach enhanced the quality of my work and deepened my understanding of how to apply course concepts in real-world settings effectively.

Engaging with feedback from my instructor encouraged me to critically assess my ideas and consider alternative perspectives, fostering a collaborative learning environment. I gained valuable insights into project management, from initial concept development to the final execution, and I became more adept at integrating best practices in instructional design. Ultimately, this project reinforced my ability to create meaningful and impactful learning experiences while equipping me with the skills to navigate the complexities of instructional design in practice.

Discussion Forums

Each module of this course has a discussion forum component. These discussion forums each contain two or three questions regarding the weekly course readings. They provide an opportunity for each course participant to engage with each other and the course material in an asynchronous setting.

Engaging in the discussion forums for each module has been a transformative aspect of my learning experience. These forums provided a dynamic platform for exploring the weekly course readings in depth, allowing me to articulate my thoughts and insights while also considering diverse perspectives from my peers.

The asynchronous nature of the discussions fostered a thoughtful exchange of ideas, enabling me to delve deeper into the material without the pressure of immediate responses. This experience enhanced my critical thinking skills and encouraged me to develop a more nuanced understanding of the topics at hand. Through the collaborative discussions, I gained valuable insights into how different interpretations can enrich our comprehension of key concepts in Learning, Design, and Technology. Overall, these forums have strengthened my ability to engage in meaningful academic discourse and reflect on the implications of our readings in real-world contexts.