Engaging in the design thinking process and developing my digital learning resource has been a truly eye-opening experience. One of the most surprising revelations was understanding the importance of prioritizing learner-centred design right from the start. Traditionally, our approach—like that of many in my field—often involved creating content first and then identifying the audience afterward. This method, although common, can lead to confusion and unnecessary extra work, as the content may not align with the specific needs of the learners. This is a scenario I’m currently facing at work with a new process for refreshing our users’ equipment and the breakdown of work distribution. We have run into many hurdles, gone back to the drawing board to try again, and hope it is successful.
The required readings in this course have reinforced the necessity of understanding and addressing learner needs before creating content. While this seems like common sense in hindsight, it’s something that is frequently overlooked in practice.
The feedback I received throughout this process was invaluable in providing a better structure for moving forward. Conducting interviews with potential users offered particularly insightful and descriptive feedback that played a crucial role in shaping my prototype. One suggestion that stood out was the need for even more interactive elements to maintain engagement. Although I had already planned to include gamified features like quizzes, badges, and leaderboards, the feedback highlighted the importance of continuous interaction to sustain motivation.
Another piece of feedback that warrants deeper investigation is the potential disconnect between AI’s capabilities and the complex interpersonal dynamics that human users manage so effortlessly. While AI can streamline tasks like transcription or rewriting, it still falls short in replicating the nuanced human interactions that are often essential in learning and development. I intend to explore this area further, particularly how it might affect the effectiveness of AI-driven learning tools.
As I look ahead, the next steps for my digital learning resource involve refining the prototype based on the feedback received. My goal is to integrate more interactive features and possibly explore hybrid models that combine AI with human-led initiatives to better address interpersonal dynamics. By demonstrating a potential connection between training and productivity, I hope to influence a shift towards more effective and engaging corporate training practices.
In terms of reflection channels, I’ve come to appreciate the value of reflection in the learning and design process. Personally, I find blogging to be a helpful tool for showcasing my thought process and gathering feedback from others, which aids in understanding and improvement.
Moving forward, I see the design thinking process as an invaluable tool, not only for creating digital learning resources but for tackling any instructional challenge. By keeping the learner at the center and being open to iterative feedback, I can ensure that the solutions I develop are both effective and user-friendly. This process has given me a newfound respect for the time and effort required to create meaningful digital resources and has inspired me to continue exploring innovative ways to enhance learning in the ever-evolving field of IT.
References:
Hasting, P. B. (2018). 0. Design Thinking & Doing [YouTube Video]. In YouTube- Mindful Marks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpVzgW8TUQ0
Stefaniak, J. (2019). The Utility of Design Thinking to Promote Systemic Instructional Design Practices in the Workplace. TechTrends, 64(2), 202–210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-019-00453-8
Weller, M. (2020, June 26). 25 Years of Ed Tech. Https://Ebookcentral.proquest.com/Lib/Royalroads-Ebooks/Reader.action?DocID=6110556&Query=; Athabasca University Press. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/royalroads-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6110556
Hi Radhika, thank you for sharing your thoughts about your experience in LRNT527 and the connections you have made to your work practice. The idea that organizations do not focus on the learner first when thinking about training needs is very common. The first thought is, what is the problem and how might we solve it with content? Pulling actual learners into the mix is very eye-opening! You mention the interplay of AI and the human loop and this may be bridged perhaps with a community of practice. Get folks with similar learning needs, job descriptions, etc. together to talk about their learning experience and the use of the engaging tools you have created. Can they go further by supporting each other outside of the learning environment? In what ways? Only they will know. Great work in the course this semester!