Month: November 2018

One theoretical framework I am interested in learning more about is self-directed learning (SDL).

From what I’ve learned in the program to date, I understand SDL to be part of adult learning theory and the theory of constructivism. Within SDL, I am aware of two main concepts; that of learner control and that of motivation.

Questions I have about SDL are related to worker expectations for on-demand learning experiences. I could easily speculate about the advantages of on-demand learning environments for learner control, but what are the disadvantages? Is there such a thing as too much learner control in today’s digital environments? Would unlimited learner control help or hurt learner motivations?

As I move toward the final research paper in the MALAT program, I’m starting to think about how I might use the research in my professional life, once my time as a graduate student concludes.

I am not interested in pursuing academic forms of publication, such as peer-reviewed journals or academic conferences.

Rather, I intend to disseminate my research through publication on my website. It will be relatively easy to optimize the web page used for my research with relevant keywords, as these need to be identified through the research process.

It seems like my intended research topic (the state of professional development for instructional designers) could easily be adapted as a whitepaper. The intent of the whitepaper would be to encourage future customers to purchase an online course from me or to hire me as a consultant for specific projects.

Like most white papers used for content marketing, my research will be open access. However, I will make the content available for download only in exchange for a reader’s email address; asking for contact information will allow me to follow up with the reader.

To promote the white paper, I will use a combination of social media channels, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram posts. I will adapt my chosen keywords into a combination of unique and popular hashtags that will help my research be found.