Assignment 4 My Final Concept Map Student: Kizzy-Anne Boatswain Course: EDID 6503 Lecturer: Dr. Gray Student: Kizzy-Anne Boatswain

This presentation shows my journey of ideas from the beginning of this course to present. The following page shows my original concept map.

The Original Concept Map

The Final Concept Map

HOW DID MY CONCEPT MAP/KNOWLEDGE CHANGE? A statement that instructional design increases levels of achievement An expansion on how learning theories inform the creation of models, learning outcomes and teaching strategies. Having a common knowledge base of learning theories as well as a working knowledge of each is fundamental to the development of instructional design. The inclusion of the expectation of the learning environment The inclusion of the impact on learners. Since there is an overall move towards learner-centered instruction. I thought that this was important to mention.

HOW DID MY CONCEPT MAP / KNOWLEDGE CHANGE? Initially, I thought of instructional technology as simply tools. However, they are also instructional aids which promote the implementation of differentiated instruction. Since, with the use of technology, instruction is student centered as opposed to teacher center centered. I included that I.D. endorsed constructivism Addition of Instructional strategies. Instructional strategies are crucial to ensuring that meaningful learning occurs Addition of learning outcomes. Learning outcomes ensure that the overall objective of the lesson is met.

Factors which influenced the change The Readings The information gained from the course readings and lecture notes helped to transform my opinion and shape the new map. For instance, Unit 3 Aided me in my understanding of learning outcomes whilst Unit 4 molded my understanding of instructional design models.

Factors which influenced the change The Research. This program required me to do a lot of extra reading in order to complete assignments. The additional readings from books written by Marcy P. Driscoll, Smith & Ragan and Reiguluth and journal articles by Gagne, Merill and many others cemented the new facts in my mind.

Factors which influenced the change The Assignments As a kinesthetic learner, I found this methods most effective for me. Assignment three, which required to create and describe our own model was instrumental in my development of my understanding of how instructional design truly works. I was able to finally “get it”

Factors which influenced the change The group work and online exchange: Gaining the opportunity to share knowledge gained and apply the knowledge learnt was also another way in which the knowledge was cemented and I was able to change my ideas.

REFLECTION

Initially, I had a blanket understanding of the three terms and how they related to each other. Over the last few weeks, my understanding evolved and I also grew to be a better instructor in the classroom where I work. This is because Merill spoke the truth when she wrote her principles: Learning is facilitated when… learners are engaged in solving real-world problems, existing knowledge is activated and new knowledge is demonstrated, learning is applied, and learning is integrated into the learner's world.

During this course, I lived what I learned During this course, I lived what I learned. I experienced some theories such as problem based learning and situated cognition first hand. Concept Mapping was yet another way that this occurred. Concept mapping is an excellent tool for content analysis and it can assist a learner in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the content of an entire course or single lesson.

As a result, I now define knowledge as a change in understanding and attitude due to an experience. This reflects the behaviorist and cognitivist perspectives that I now have due to my journey through this course.

I have come to understand that Instructional Design, Instructional Technology and Distance Learning are interrelated. Instructional design informs the creation of instructional strategies which may require instructional technology from time to time for the purpose of implementing distance learning programs. Instructional Technology is important because it aids in the creation of an online learning environment. Employing the appropriate learning theory ensures that every lesson is student centered.

Just like Ideas about various theories are always changing, so too was my idea of Instructional Design, Instructional Technology and Distance learning. As I grow as an Instructional designer, my knowledge base would continue to evolve and so too will my idea of what works and what does not work. I was most intrigued by the way all of the three components were interconnected and how the degree of interconnectedness changed as my knowledge increased.