Research Artifacts

Project Title Subject Matter Expert Interview
Tools used in Development Word, Google Hangouts, Google Docs, Zoom
Time in Development 4 Hours
Client JHU

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In this project, I interviewed an Instructional Designer SME.  This interview was designed to get both, Instructional Design training, and to research the field I am preparing to enter. I directed the conversation in a manner that would extract the most pertinent information while respecting the SME’s time.  After the interview, our discussion had to then be arranged into an instructional piece that could be used to inform individuals on the principles, techniques, and strategies of effective Instructional Design. Working through this process at a distance presented a few challenges that spanned an 11-hour time difference.  We used a collaboration folder in Google Docs to communicate and share resources.

Extracting pertinent information from a SME passionate about their craft, is an absorbing experience. In this project, I found some of the most valuable content came from the SME, unsolicited.

Project Title Research: Instructional Strategies on the Horizon
Tools used in Development Word
Time in Development About 18 Hours
Client JHU

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This Research Paper, investigates the effectiveness of a new Instructional Strategy with its target Learners.  This project required me to analyze the impact of a budding instructional strategy on teaching and learning.  My analysis of the Instructional Strategy and recommendation of use, had to be supported with peer-reviewed academic literature.  The particular strategy Instructional Strategy I selected would in this project cost the organization a considerable amount of resources, so I had to be as prudent in my decision-making as possible, without sacrificing the full potential in using the instructional strategy.  To lessen the impact to the Organizations’ resources, I explored using the Instructional strategy in different intensities so as to offer flexibility to the organization options in determining the amount of resources that should be diverted to this particular solution. In this project, I focused on delivering innovative resources and increasing flexibility in execution in an effort to preserve the integrity of the Organizations’ budge and goals.

Project Title Research: Emerging Learning Tools
Tools used in Development Word
Time in Development About 12 Hours
Client Johns Hopkins University

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This research paper explores emerging Digital Technologies in the Learning Landscape.  In this project, I was tasked with researching, evaluating, and summarizing novel Instructional tools from a curated list.  The analysis was to then be supported or refuted by peer-reviewed academic literature.

To initiate this research project, I reflected on the functional needs of an average practitioner using the chosen digital tool. I then assessed the tools’ ability to meet the needs of the Practitioner, and set forth a research-based argument to support my analysis.

Researching nascent technologies can be a challenging task, since typically very little user data is available.  To circumvent this lack, I analyzed the capabilities and the limitations of the digital tool, and envisioned a typical scenario the Practitioner would encounter using the tool.  With this vision of use, I compared the defined capabilities and limitations of the tool as described by the creators, to estimate the efficiency the tool. Exploring nascent technologies allowed me to assess the ability of a tool to meet the required needs of a practitioner without being swayed by the lure of positive user reviews.

Project Title Technology Grant Writing
Tools used in Development Word, Excel
Time in Development About 18 Hours
Client JHU

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This grant proposal was designed for submission to an organization that encourages the effective use of technology in teaching and learning. The Grant had a specific criterion for submission, and to be successful, I had to demonstrate exceptional ROI, while still meeting the needs of the institution.

Deciding the best use for the available funds took considerable deliberation, as I had to determine the overall value of the materials beyond their monetary value. This grant proposal features: an abstract of the needs and intended uses for the purchase, well defined goals and objectives, budget itemization, detailed implementation plan, overview of activities, timeline of delivery with responsible persons identified, and evidence of successful task completion. This project allowed me to demonstrate my ability to meet the needs of the organization and the learners they serve, while staying within a defined budget.