Michael Graham

    The Evaluator Competencies Self-Assessment required for the Learning Design and Technology 506 course gave me valuable insights. It allowed me to see the current strengths that I bring with my experience and areas where I need further development in regard to the five domains outlined by the American Evaluation Association’s Evaluator Competencies . My professional experience mostly comes from being in the classroom as a K-12 special education teacher. I use data frequently to monitor and report on student progress, adjust instruction, and develop IEP goals. I understand data and its use on a classroom level to work with students and collaborate with colleagues and families. The self-assessment, on the other hand, has made it clear that I am still developing when it comes to formal evaluation design and implementation with broader programs and systems. My novice, 2 out of 6, evaluator placement stems from my limited formal design and methodology experience, however I p...

        Instructional design isn’t a straight path with a tidy finish line. It is a cycle that is constantly moving between task and learner analysis, design, development, and evaluation. Working with my team on our module, Creating Your First Instructor Introduction Video, exemplified this realization. This reflection looks back at what we built, what worked, what didn’t, and how I grew as a designer through the process. Instructional Goals and Objectives      Our project centered on helping university faculty strengthen instructor presence in online courses by creating a high-quality introduction video using DaVinci Resolve . Our objectives were clearly stated and measurable, and they aligned closely with both the needs analysis and the task requirements. Faculty needed to be able to: Set up a new project in DaVinci Resolve and import media Edit and assemble a complete video with a bumper, title, and talking head Export ...

 Why I’m Here      After 16 years in K-12 education, I have seen how powerful thoughtfully designed learning experiences can be, especially when technology is integrated with purpose. I now want to play a larger role in shaping and creating experiences that reach a broader audience of diverse learners in the higher education setting.      Throughout the LDT program at ASU I have learned that designing instruction is foundationally grounded in systematic processes that encompass creativity, technology, empathy, and learning theories. Delivering effective and equitable learning experiences is my main objective as I enter the learning design field. The field incorporates a broad array of disciplines such as design thinking, media production, data analysis, psychology, and many others (Wagoner, n.d). The depth of the profession is deep, this both excites and challenges me, to explore and discover, as I work toward being able to design effective learn...

     Effective communication in the field of learning design is vital to ensure learning experiences are created in a collaborative manner that meets the needs of learners and stakeholders. As a student of learning design, I seek to gain professional communication skills by reflecting on my strengths and working on the areas where I can improve. In an effort to grow into an effective learning designer, I have outlined my strengths and needs regarding communication and developed a growth plan to develop the visual storytelling skills needed to create effective learning experiences. I have also reflected on how my current communication practices influence my identity as a future learning designer.   Communication Strength      Active listening is a strength in communication that I possess. As a special education teacher, I have developed listening skills that allow me to truly collaborate with students, families, and IEP team members. Being an acti...

       Working in education has been my career and passion for the last two decades. I have taught all grades in the K-12 setting as a special education teacher. Additionally, I have also worked as an Education Program Coordinator at the Achievement & Assessment Institute at the University of Kansas. In that role I helped to develop online state assessments for Kansas and Alaska, while managing a group of graduate research assistants.  I am currently enrolled in the  Learning Design and Technology (Graduate Certificate) Program at Arizona State University. Becoming a learning designer has been a natural progression for me. Throughout my career I have remained steadfast in my commitment to ensuring learning is accessible, inclusive, engaging, and ultimately meaningful for every student. I believe profoundly in the life-changing power of learning. Every human has a fundamental drive to grow through the attainment of understanding and application.  ...

     As we look to the future while acknowledging the past, one thing is sure: technology will continue to impact and change the way people teach, train, and learn. Online and blended learning has grown significantly since the turn of the century and is now widely used across K-12, higher education, and corporate settings. As leaders and facilitators of online and blended learning we must embrace emerging technologies and consider ethical considerations as we progress into the future. AI to Individualize Education      Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rather new technology that will soon be utilized to increase educational outcomes. In the next decade, educators will embrace the capabilities of systems like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to reshape the educational landscape.   AI will be used as personal tutors and learning guides. Learning management systems will integrate AI seamlessly so that learning can be individualized for each student. Gap...