Thinking in Retrospect....

Coming into ID for Tech Development, I was still unsure about what exactly instructional design consists of. There were many questions that don't yet have the answer to, such as the importance of conducting a needs assessment before designing or developing a framework for Although instructional design can be whatever you make it up to be, there are several things to consider. The field of instructional design is ever-changing with new technology. Designers work with SME's (or they are both the designer and SME) to create better learning experiences for adult learners.

 Here are three things I believe to be paramount to instructional design:

• When designing a solution, it's best to follow a flexible timeline so if change is needed, one can make the necessary adjustments to get a more desired result, not necessarily spending more time and money.
• Conventional metaphors and language steers us towards certain concepts of creative ideas.
• Conducting a needs assessment can tell you a lot, if not everything you need to know about the learners, and the environment they are in. This can make your job easier if you know what you are dealing with.

I enjoyed learning how to create the PLPs. While creating them, I felt as if I had a one-on-one relationship with each learner. It allows for easier customization when creating specific learning material. There was a discussion in my last class meeting about how different minded instructional designers are put in the same group to complete a project, and how it can be successful. I am very curious to know how they manage to make it work and get along with SME's or other designers who are on the team.

I would like to continue improving myself as an all-around instructional designer (planning, analysis, design, development, etc.), Sometimes I have difficulty just getting started planning or sometimes coming up with a design or a plan that will meet the needs of the environment/learners.