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 active listener is vital in my field to ensure everyone is being heard and that decisions are being made in the best interest of stakeholders and learners.
I have conducted many IEP meetings throughout my career. During these meetings emotions can run high especially when students and families are struggling to find success in school. By actively listening to concerns, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions I have been able to keep meetings on track and steer them toward collaborative problem-solving. I have found listening and clarifying for understanding as a powerful way to foster an inclusive environment through communication.
As a future learning design professional my strong listening skills will allow me to understand the needs of learners, stakeholders, and the team. Clear communication is the foundation from which great designs and learning experiences are built. Collaboration in conjunction with communication can ensure that project goals are aligned with stakeholders and that learners have meaningful, engaging, and impactful learning experiences (Ed.D, 2023).
Area of Growth
Visual storytelling is an area I want to expand on and grow in. Visuals play a major role in holding learners’ attention (Günay, 2021), so it is important that they are accessible, engaging, and meaningful. As a teacher I am confident in organizing information clearly, yet I want to work on how to transform ideas into visual stories that are appealing and impactful.
Effective visuals and stories have the ability to communicate information and lighten cognitive load. Visual communication can enhance learning in ways that words cannot. Seeing it can be more impactful than reading it. Visual stories can enhance understanding, improve retention, break down barriers, and meet the needs of diverse learners.
I want to learn the skills needed to produce visual stories that are meaningful, easy to understand, are pleasing to the eye, and are accessible to all types of learners.
Action Plan
To gain the skills needed to effectively create visual stories I plan to study examples, practice with design tools, and incorporate visuals in the materials I create as a student at ASU and as a classroom teacher for my students.
As I progress through the Learning Design and Technologies certificate program at ASU I will intentionally study how narrative visual elements are used in course materials and analyze how they work to heighten meaning and understanding. I will identify effective elements and principles of visual design and storytelling, and then reflect on how they enhance user experience in different contexts and settings.
Next, I will practice visual design by using tools like Canva to create infographics, stories, and course materials. I will experiment to find out what works and what does not. Accessibility and inclusivity will be at the forefront of my design. Through practice and feedback, I will grow to be competent and impactful in what I design to meet the needs of learners.
As I incorporate visual storytelling into my classroom materials and into the assignments I complete for my program, I will gain the knowledge needed to be successful, and will continue to learn and grow as I move forward as a professional. Through these steps I will become a competent and effective visual communicator.
Professional Identity and Communication
As a teacher I communicate information to students in an understandable way, work with colleagues on curriculum and course materials, and problem solve how to best meet the needs of students. Open channels of communication are also maintained with parents, guardians, and administration. I have a solid skillset for active listening, communicating in person and in writing, and prioritizing accessibility through collaboration, empathy, and understanding.
As I move forward in the learning design field, I will carry my current skillset with me along with the belief that learning design is built through communication. Communication is the foundation for achieving pedagogical goals and delivering course content. Communication is the medium through which we ultimately channel information and we must harness it in ways that facilitate effective design through iterative learning and improvement. This core belief will inevitably stay with me, and guide me throughout my career.
References:
Ed.D, J. E. (2023, July 13). Communication And Collaboration In Instructional Design Projects. ELearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/communication-and-collaboration-in-instructional-design-projects
Günay, M. (2021). Design in Visual Communication. Art and Design Review, 09(02), 109–122. https://doi.org/10.4236/adr.2021.92010