AECT Standard 5 (Research)

Candidates explore, evaluate, synthesize, and apply methods of inquiry to enhance learning and improve performance.

Indicators

  • Candidates demonstrate foundational knowledge of the contribution of research to the past and current theory of educational communications and technology.

  • Candidates apply research methodologies to solve problems and enhance practice.

  • Candidates apply formal inquiry strategies in assessing and evaluating processes and resources for learning and performance.

  • Candidates conduct research and practice using accepted professional and institutional guidelines and procedures.

ARTIFACTS

S.5.1 Theoretical Foundations

Candidates demonstrate foundational knowledge of the contribution of research to the past and current theory of educational communications and technology.

Summary:

The Summer 2023 offering of the EME6419: Motivational Design course examined key principles for designing learner motivation within technology-enhanced learning settings. In this class we explored diverse motivational design concepts, such as interest, self-efficacy, motivation regulation, motivational design models, and methods for measuring motivation. Additionally, I actively participated in the motivational design process by analyzing learners, learning tasks, and the broader learning environment.

This artifact is a final research proposal that uses motivational theories such as the ARCS model, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Expectancy Theory, and Self-Determination Theory. I had the experience of examining how research contributed to past and present theories of educational technology. This aligns with understanding and applying foundational knowledge of theory to educational and motivational challenges in nursing.

Competencies and Skills for Instructional Designers:

  • Assess Relevant Characteristics of the target audience

    • Select the target audience characteristics that are appropriate for assessment

    • Develop a target audience profile

  • Assess the relevant characteristics of the setting

    • Identify relevant resources, constraints, and context of the development and delivery environments

    • Evaluate how the setting characteristics may impact proposed instructional approaches

  • Perform job, task, and/or content analysis

    • Analyze the characteristics of a job, task, or body of knowledge

    • Identify appropriate source documentation to support analysis

    • Comprehend technical content in terms of the entire course content and individual lessons

    • Identify prerequisite knowledge and skills for tasks, subtasks, and knowledge

  • Recommend instructional strategies

    • Discuss learning theories, instructional design strategies, instructional psychology, and learning

      styles appropriate to the curricular objectives

    • Describe and provide a rationale for the selection of an instructional approach

    • Design instructional materials that are appropriate to the ability level of the learners

S.5.2 Method

Candidates apply research methodologies to solve problems and enhance practice.

Summary:

The Spring 2024 offering of the EME6208: Interactive Media course emphasized a practical approach to media development. I learned to apply visual design principles that influence how learners view and interact with instructional media.

For this artifact I evaluated the usability of the Life Support Program SharePoint site page. I created an assessment tool, conducted the assessment with five participants and compiled and evaluated the results. Through this process I was able to discover strategies to enhance learner engagement. Upon conclusion of this testing, I developed recommendations for usability enhancement.

Competencies and Skills for Instructional Designers:

  • Perform a needs assessment/analysis

    • Develop a needs assessment/analysis plan and instrument

    • Conduct a needs assessment/analysis and collect data

    • Identify discrepancies based on analysis of data collection

    • Recommend options that solve the discrepancies

  • Assess Relevant Characteristics of the target audience

    • Select the target audience characteristics that are appropriate for assessment

  • Assess the relevant characteristics of the setting

    • Identify relevant resources, constraints, and context of the development and delivery environments

  • Perform job, task, and/or content analysis

    • Analyze the characteristics of a job, task, or body of knowledge

    • Identify appropriate source documentation to support analysis

    • Comprehend technical content in terms of the entire course content and individual lessons

  • Select instructional media

    • Identify instructional media options that address training needs

  • Evaluate instruction, program, and process

    • Develop a formative/summative evaluation plan and conduct the formative/summative evaluation

    • Generate specifications for revisions based on feedback collected during evaluation

  • Recommend instructional strategies

    • Describe and provide a rationale for the selection of an instructional approach

S.5.3 Assessing/Evaluating

Candidates apply formal inquiry strategies in assessing and evaluating processes and resources for learning and performance.

Summary:

The Spring offering of the EME6356: Introduction to Big Data and Learning Analytics course introduced the fundamentals that guide effective sourcing and analyzing of large datasets. I learned to apply suitable data analysis techniques, use learning analytics thoughtfully, and communicate data insights clearly in writing and presentations.

This artifact showcases the use of actual data to make the case for the change to an existing nursing professional development program. I decided to evaluate if the changes that were made to the Advance Life Support course effected the attendance rates for the course. This retrospective design proposal identified the problem, required assessment of the prior course methods and lead to evaluation of data.

Competencies and Skills for Instructional Designers:

  • Perform a needs assessment/analysis

    • Develop a needs assessment/analysis plan and instrument

    • Conduct a needs assessment/analysis and collect data

    • Identify discrepancies based on analysis of data collection

  • Assess Relevant Characteristics of the target audience

    • Select the target audience characteristics that are appropriate for assessment

  • Assess the relevant characteristics of the setting

    • Identify relevant resources, constraints, and context of the development and delivery environments

  • Perform job, task, and/or content analysis

    • Analyze the characteristics of a job, task, or body of knowledge

    • Identify appropriate source documentation to support analysis

  • Evaluate instruction, program, and process

    • Develop a formative/summative evaluation plan and conduct the formative/summative evaluation