2024: The Ends and Beginnings of Change

Christmas brings a season of light, hope, and transformation culminating in the celebration of our Savior’s birth. As winter’s approach shortens the days and the year comes to an end, the twinkle of Christmas lights (and promise of delicious treats) brings the joy of good tidings to the long, cold nights in Michigan and the northern hemisphere. And as with every year, the Model eLearning team pauses at this time to reflect upon the previous successes and possibilities for improvement. We invite you to join us as we review our team’s efforts to embrace change; try new technologies; and design the opportunity for meaningful learning in 2024.

Embracing change

We started the year with a reminder to embrace changes and emerging trends in eLearning and the instructional design field. This advice became essential as our university restructured, and our team adapted to prioritizing changes related to transitioning from the Blackboard learning management system to Brightspace as well as a new academic calendar. Members of the team experienced great change as well, with Ann and I graduating from our respective graduate programs. We also said goodbye to Jeanie, Audrey, and Kyle. Change might never be easy, but we strove to remain flexible while continuing to provide quality in our work.

Trying new technologies

The team at Model eLearning endeavors to infuse our designs with sound pedagogy as well as teaching and learning strategies. This requires reviewing and testing new technology solutions like OBS Studio in our online and blended classrooms. Early this year, Kyle, our former Instructional Media Support, worked with Tara to use OBS Studio in her History 221: Black Experience in America course. Kyle and Tara found the tool fairly intuitive (although they encountered some differences between the Windows and Mac versions). By using the tool to clarify assignment expectations, they were able to see the value of recommending the tool to instructors as well as uses cases for future course developments.

Designing effective, meaningful learning

Instructional designers use a variety of tools to design effective learning environments and experiences. Guest blogger Dave Zokvic explored how the fun and playful principles of Legos relate to instructional design concepts such as universal instructions, scaffolding, and providing clear expectations. He also shared where Lego could improve their instructional design through considerations of accessibility, costs, and flexibility. Additionally, Ann and Jess shared how a learning needs analysis works well with the Constructivism learning theory to understand learner needs while creating effective courses which promote relevant content that promotes meaningful learning. 

Looking forward to 2025

The changes of 2024 makes Christmas seem all the more poignant this year. As instructional designers, we know reflection allows us to analyze our experiences to learn with deeper understanding and identify where we can improve as we apply our learning in the future. In reflecting on the past year, I find myself grateful for our team; the quality of work we produce; and the entrepreneurial spirit we bring as lifelong learners seeking to develop our skillsets. I look forward to continuing the tradition of professional development brought by another year of editing and writing for Model eLearning—and the conversations we have with educators at Spring Arbor University and around the world! 

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2025.