Learning Systems Design and Development Competencies

Mastery of this competency is essential to bring design ideas to fruition. It represents the practical work of the program. Learning systems and environments must be usable, accessible, interactive, effective and attractive. Technological tools need to be appropriate to the context. They should enhance the learning experience and extend capabilities to collaborate and to create. Developers need to stay current with languages and tools since technology changes by the day.

Rapid prototyping, multiple iterations and real-world usability testing form a strong foundation for development. The needs identified in the beginning of a project should guide the development process so that enough features are included without going into uncontrollable scope creep, since timelines and budget considerations are often factors in a project's development.

Development is a collaborative venture between designers, developers and testers. The best products result from usability testing, open communication and frequent feedback. Successful implementation of the system with real learners will reward the team's efforts.

Demonstration of Competency: Problem-based Learning Environment

The most fully developed learning environment I created was a Problem-based Learning Environment which was the final project for our team of three. This learning environment was created for special education graduate students to learn the early intervention Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) process.

Working in close collaboration, we designed and developed this learning environment for an online class. We used XHTML, CSS and Flash. I acted as the content researcher, writer and editor. I was a Web developer for some of the pages.

Demonstration of Competency: Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Learning Experience

As part of a team of three, I created a learning module for Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL): Comparison of Collaborative Tools Using Defined Roles. We designed the learning experience so learners would define their roles in the project before beginning the project. I coded the initial opening page which explains the process. The project was developed using a wiki. Learners were expected to use the wiki both as a tool for communication within their team during the learning experience and as an area for evaluation of the learning experience after it was completed.

Demonstration of Competency: Flash Interactive Animation Project

I researched and produced a site on horse hoof care developed in Flash. This site included multiple animations which demonstrated proper hoof picking technique, identifying parts of the hoof, making a protective hoof bootie and the case study of an actual hoof recovering from a double abscess.

This site started with an Interactive Animation Project Design Plan and Storyboard (PDF). Based on the project requirements, the first version of the site was developed.

I conducted usability testing (PDF) on it and the site then went through another iteration after receiving feedback.

If this project had a longer timeline for development, I would add a lot more content and more details to it. I would enhance the animations so they were photorealistic and I would add more animations. I would add more interactivity so users could solidify their learning.

For example, I did not show how to approach a horse, ask a horse to lift the hoof, hold the hoof and be safe while working around the legs of a 1200 pound animal. I could build animations to show this process and then do a drag and drop for users to demonstrate their new knowledge. I feel this Flash class gave me all the skills to do such a detailed site—it was just a matter of needing more time.

Another Flash example is a Flash Video Postcard that I created.

Demonstration of Competency: Additional Applications

Additional applications I designed and developed include a survey coded in PHP for Needs Assessment (screenshot) and a career survey coded in ASP.NET for Web Application Development II (screenshot).