For this activity, we were tasked to think about our “design superpowers” and how we utilize them in our current practice. I found this to be an enlightening exercise since it made me think deeply about those soft skills and personality traits that are a reflection of our feelings, behaviors and thoughts. All those things that we probably do every day without even thinking about it.
Stefaniak (2021) states that instructional designers are tasked with making countless decisions in every project they complete, with that in mind, I have designed an illustration that represents my current role as a technology manager of an automotive group which has brought together two of the things that I have always been passionate about: vehicles and technology. Here are some of the “superpowers”, computer-based ID tools and methodological ID tools (Lachheb and Boling, 2018) that I have identified in my current practice:
X-ray vision – Having a good eye for detail and great ability to analyze any situation. Whether it is a website design or video creation/editing, the final product has to be absolutely professional and exceptional! The tools I use for this superpower are: WordPress, Adobe creative cloud, Filmora, Microsoft Publisher and several online and mobile applications.
Precognition – Being proactive and having security measures in place before threats and villains come invading our businesses. For this superpower I rely on tools that I install or monitor such as Antivirus software, security and alarm systems, domain servers, backups, more backups and backups of the backups.
Techno kinesis – Working with a variety of analog, digital and electronic devices. Debit machines, printers, phone and camera systems, WiFi and LAN network configuration, DMS, email management, website third-party integrations, and server setup and maintenance to name some.
Teleportation – Working in different projects and in different cities across BC at the same time requires someone with the ability to manipulate space and time. The most valuable tool I have for this superpower is a program called Screen Connect, it allows me to remote in to any PC so I can provide technical support to multiple users at arguably the same time.
References
Lachheb, A., & Boling, E. (2018). Design tools in practice: instructional designers report which tools they use and why. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 30, 34-54. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-017-9165-x
Stefaniak, J. E. (2021). Documenting Instructional Design Decisions. Design for learning. Retrieved from https://edtechbooks.org/id/documenting_decisions
Hi Luis
I really like the Techno Kinesis superpower here. It speaks to a design challenge I am working with where we need to think about the lack of digital literacy skills and reliable internet for our learners who can be based throughout rural Canada.
That particular superpower can likely put you in a position to understand learners’ needs and come up with alternatives to web based learning easily. It’s realistic that not every learner in Canada will have equitable access to internet. I recall Amanda Coolidge talking about inequitable internet access even for urban based learners as students tried to juggle their budgets in Vancouver. This super power is overlooked but I think it so important.
Luis!
What a brilliant post – I absolutely love how you identified each of your superpowers! I appreciate your comment about reflecting on “those soft skills and personality traits that are a reflection of our feelings, behaviors and thoughts” which undoubtedly impact our instructional designs. The older I get, the more I realize how critically important meaningful reflection is, and how reflection can be a powerful tool for growth in many areas.
Thanks again!
Amber
Hi Luis,
Thank you for your post. Those are some amazing superpowers. It appears that you are well equipped with a variety of “tools”. I am curious to know whether there are opportunities for you to collaborate with others as from your post it seems that you primarily work independently?
Thanks,