Challenge 1: Analyze the characteristics of existing and emerging technologies and their potential use.

Criteria for successful completion of this challenge: Evidence of describing emerging technologies and evaluating the benefits and limitations of the tool’s usage.  Reflection must address: How you determined the use of a piece of technology and described its potential use or non-use. 

Examples: Course discussions on emerging techs (EDCI 577, EDCI 568, EDCI 564), Final EDCI 513 paper if focused on the use of a technology, artifacts showing benefits/limitations of tool usage or selection (design, performance, workplace, educational, other).

Reflection

In the course of addressing the challenge of using appropriate techniques to analyze various types and sources to validate content, my artifact — a discussion post from the first week of EDCI 577 along with peer feedback — effectively demonstrates the implementation of strategic evaluation methods in instructional design. This discussion emphasized the need to move beyond traditional metrics and incorporate comprehensive, impact-oriented evaluation strategies that align with broader organizational goals and stakeholder needs.

The artifact directly supports the competency by showcasing how analysis techniques are not just theoretical exercises but are crucial in practical applications within the field. It includes an exploration of how evolving technologies and methodologies influence the design process and the necessity of integrating these insights into everyday practice to maintain relevancy and effectiveness in instructional solutions.

My prior experience in instructional design has been instrumental in informing the creation of this artifact. This background has provided a solid foundation from which I drew upon to participate effectively in course discussions, bringing real-world insights that enhance the theoretical underpinnings discussed. This experience not only reinforced the importance of rigorous content validation techniques but also highlighted the dynamic nature of instructional design, where continuous adaptation and learning are key.

Reflecting on this experience, I affirm that the discussion post and the subsequent peer feedback provided a robust platform for exploring and applying advanced content analysis techniques. This exercise was invaluable in refining my approach to instructional design, particularly in how I evaluate and integrate new technologies and methodologies. Moving forward, I plan to further develop this competency by continuously seeking out and engaging with new technologies that can enhance instructional outcomes, ensuring that my designs remain at the forefront of educational innovation.

Download the Reflection as a PDF.