Personal Definition of Learning Design

Hello, fellow learners and explorers of the digital realm!

In this article, I will aim to dive into the world of learning design and unravel my perspective in this emerging, innovative, and inspired field. I’m excited to share my take on this topic as we explore what learning design is, the role of technology in the field, successful approaches to creating easy-to-understand teachings, and how the readings in our module align with my approach. 

What is Learning Design?

As a high-level overview, learning design refers to deliberate choices about what, when, where and how subject matter is taught to cohorts, teams, and individuals. Learning design is like creating a learning roadmap that doesn’t just point the way, but makes the journey exciting and meaningful for the user. It’s about intentionally shaping the learning experience to ensure that learners are not just passive recipients of the subject matter, but active participants discovering knowledge in an engaging, memorable, and effective way. Learning design is cultivated through a blend of creativity, psychology, and strategy, with an ultimate aim of fostering deep understanding and meaningful outcomes. 

Technology’s Role in Learning Design

In today’s world, it seems like everywhere you look, everything is orchestrated by technology. Learning design is no exception. As new software and services continue to disrupt the industry, it is safe to say that technology is the beating heart in the approach to learning design. Long gone are the days of simple multiple choice quizzes administered on the computer. 

Recent developments in technology have harnessed the power of multiple innovative and disruptive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), learning experience design (LxD), and faster-than-ever computer hardware. Technology is the backbone that enables personalized learning paths, interactive simulations, collaborative spaces, and real-time facilitated feedback. Technology is the enabler that transforms traditional learning into an immersive digital adventure. 

Keywords that Open Doors to Understanding

In order to best understand my approach to learning design and the learner's experience, there are a few important keywords to keep in mind. Take a look below to see what I deem the most critical keywords. 

Personalized Learning Paths: 

We all know the feeling of trying on the perfect pair of denim jeans. It’s as if they were made for you. Perfectly tailored to your measurements. Learning design is not so different. Growing up, did you ever notice that the others in your class may have learned at different speeds, or were more inclined to understand through hands-on involvement as opposed to traditional lecture?  

Knowing the style(s) in which your learners best engage with the subject matter is important. Imagine tailoring learning experiences to a variety of learners that are as unique as fingerprints. By doing this, each learner embarks on a journey tailored to their pace, preferences, and needs. It’s about acknowledging individuality and providing a roadmap that resonates with them.  

Interactive Engagement: 

In order to create effective learning experiences, it’s important to make your teachings interactive and engaging. Interactivity isn’t just about clicking buttons on a screen; it’s about sparking curiosity through assessment quizzes, interactive simulations that spark creativity and ingenuity, active discussions, and leveraging multimedia that invites learners to actively participate and explore. 

Collaborative Exploration: 

Learning is hardly a solitary expedition. Technology allows us to connect, discuss, and collaborate with others even if we’re thousands of miles apart. Collaboration isn’t just for office projects, either. Collaboration cultivates diverse perspectives, teamwork, and the inspirational magic that is collective intelligence. Collaborative exploration is about building a community of learners. 

Real-Time Feedback: 

In the early stages of eLearn and learning design, learners would need to wait days, if not weeks, to receive feedback on their performance. Thankfully, with the advancements made in technology and learning design, constructive feedback can be as prompt as your favorite food delivery service. Real-time feedback helps the learner to receive instant insights, adjust their path, and grow through a continuous improvement cycle, Real-time feedback also helps to reinforce the community of learners and strengthen the connection between learners despite any existing physical differences. 

Decoding the Keywords

Personalized Learning Paths: Imagine a personalized GPS for learning. Personalized learning paths are about recognizing that each learner is on a distinct journey. It’s about designing content that adapts to their existing knowledge, learning style, and progress through the experience. 

Interactive Engagement: Remember when learning was a one-way street? Now it’s a dynamic conversation. Interaction doesn’t just retain attention, it deepens understanding through exploration, experimentation, and active involvement. 

Collaborative Exploration: Collaboration isn’t just for office projects. Learning gets a boost when you’re at it together. Whether it’s from across the room or across the globe, you’re part of a learning community. 

Real-Time Feedback: Quick feedback is your secret weapon for improvement. It’s like having a personal coach who gives you tips in real time.  

The Course Readings

In this week’s reading, I couldn’t help but wonder if the author had taken a direct example from my day-to-day life. In Chapter 2, “What is this Thing Called Instructional Design?” Ellen Wagner shares a story in which she is asked what she does for a living while at the playground with her daughter. After a short recitement of her work title, an Instructional Designer,  she could see that the playground mom was confused about her work. She further explained that she was a corporate trainer, which only lead to a slightly better understanding for the playground mom. It wasn’t until she provided a lengthy, articulate, and precise depiction of her job role that the playground mom understood. 

This has happened to me far too many times. I work as an instructional designer a small EdTech consulting firm in the Southeast region of the United States. We work with high-end clients like PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Meta, EY, Microsoft, Royal Dutch Shell, Duke Corporate Education, and many more. My specific role centers around creating eLearn modules and interactive virtual simulations. 

Anytime anyone has ever asked me what I do, it is hardly a quick exchange. Bonus points for standing out! 

As far as aligning the readings with my personal definitions of learning design, I would refer to the text’s mention of learning design as a process. The reading states that learning design is the entire process of analysis of learning needs and goals and the development of a delivery system to meet those needs. This is EXACTLY what I mean when I mention personalized learning paths and interactive engagements. 

In order to best meet the needs of your learners, it is important to consider tailoring the learning experience and enhancing its elements of interactivity.