Week 6 Blog

How hard is it to develop a research method that both matches your theory and created curriculum? What was simple and what was difficult? Post a direct link to the entry

It is hard to develop a research method that both matches the theory and create curriculum. It is simple to learn different theories and instructional design frameworks. It is difficult when it comes to apply the knowledge in selecting the appropriate research method to apply appropriate theory and/ framework in a specific curriculum. It is important that an instructional designer understands how to link underlying theory into practice while designing instructions or developing curriculum. Developing research method is the fundamental to develop a curriculum that will help teaching and learning effectively. The methodology should address the problem and objectives of a research and recommended solutions should align those objectives. I echo with Ertmer & newby (2013) that the critical question instructional designers must ask is not “Which is the best theory?” but “Which theory is the most effective in fostering mastery of specific tasks by specific learners?.”

We were asked to develop a lesson plan for both face-to-face and online for same subject/materials. The underlying theory that we chose to develop the lesson is constructivism. In our group work we develop a course lesson on introduction to computer for non-computer major undergraduate students. The time was limited but we were able to finish it by the end of our class time. Although it was easy to develop a lesson for both face-to-face and online we forgot to organize the lesson by specifying time expected for each task to perform while developing the activities. All other groups in class did that nicely. I admit that we missed an important step in the method of designing the lesson. The difficult part of design is how we can provide the same learning environment for face-to-face vs online while learning basics about computer hardware and software. Students need to do hands on some of the task which is hard to accomplish in online. Most close we can get in terms of hands on is simulated demonstration for online students. This is the difficult part of the method of designing instruction.

Overall, the experience was great. We learned from our mistakes. Then each group presented their work. We discussed about each group’s work and learned from each other. It is always helpful when this type of discourses occur during the class especially in online environment. I personally have been enjoying it since I have gotten into this program.