Alright, I think I've articulated my problem statement a lot better now. Thanks for your feedback.
Feel free to provide more.... I'll be researching and writing all week!
Reworked Problem Statement
There exists no genuine instructional design methodology for networked and global learning (NGL). As an instructional designer, that poses a problem, as many clients are discussing the potential of applying a networked learning approach to their learning programs, however there are mixed ideas between IDs about what NGL is, and how it should be applied. Specifically, the purpose of this design-based research does not aim to definitively use NGL as a means of transforming the practise of instructional design. But, in line with the query concerning the chicken and the egg, the problem this proposal sets out to investigate is how a universal instructional design method should be developed so digital NGL courses can be designed effectively, then determine what it might look like.
I am an instructional designer working within a digital education company. I write and build asynchronous, experiential online learning programs for corporate and vocational education. All of what I do is digitally enhanced, multi-modal contextual learning. Recently, some clients have been asking our company how to greater strengthen the capacity of their learners to connect, develop meaningful relationships and learn from one another, using a range of social networking applications linked to our learning programs.
Initially, some of my colleagues thought this a simple concept whereby forums, blogs and social media could be linked to a learning management system. However, these suggestions came from instructional designers who possess a traditional understanding of education and are not completely au fait with contemporary technological capabilities. Our company is ambitious and creative. Often projects are taken on without really understanding what they may become. Based on that precedent, I feared the concept of ‘Networked Learning’ was a buzz term sourced from a self-promoting journal, instead of a genuinely considered learning approach. My major concern was whether this approach to learning was understood well enough by these designers to be developed effectively.
Czerkawski (2015) indicates that currently no framework or major model provides clear guidance for online instructors. Furthermore, Hiltz & Goldman, (2009) state there are clear differences between the learning approaches related to networked learning including Asynchronous Learning Networks (anytime, anywhere), Personal Learning Networks, (conceptualized, built and controlled by the learner), and Networked Learning (social connections to form one’s understanding).
That being the case, my theory supposed that:
Consequently, this design-based research proposal will investigate how a universal instructional design method should be developed so digital NGL courses can be designed effectively, then determine what it might look like.
Feel free to provide more.... I'll be researching and writing all week!
Reworked Problem Statement
There exists no genuine instructional design methodology for networked and global learning (NGL). As an instructional designer, that poses a problem, as many clients are discussing the potential of applying a networked learning approach to their learning programs, however there are mixed ideas between IDs about what NGL is, and how it should be applied. Specifically, the purpose of this design-based research does not aim to definitively use NGL as a means of transforming the practise of instructional design. But, in line with the query concerning the chicken and the egg, the problem this proposal sets out to investigate is how a universal instructional design method should be developed so digital NGL courses can be designed effectively, then determine what it might look like.
I am an instructional designer working within a digital education company. I write and build asynchronous, experiential online learning programs for corporate and vocational education. All of what I do is digitally enhanced, multi-modal contextual learning. Recently, some clients have been asking our company how to greater strengthen the capacity of their learners to connect, develop meaningful relationships and learn from one another, using a range of social networking applications linked to our learning programs.
Initially, some of my colleagues thought this a simple concept whereby forums, blogs and social media could be linked to a learning management system. However, these suggestions came from instructional designers who possess a traditional understanding of education and are not completely au fait with contemporary technological capabilities. Our company is ambitious and creative. Often projects are taken on without really understanding what they may become. Based on that precedent, I feared the concept of ‘Networked Learning’ was a buzz term sourced from a self-promoting journal, instead of a genuinely considered learning approach. My major concern was whether this approach to learning was understood well enough by these designers to be developed effectively.
Czerkawski (2015) indicates that currently no framework or major model provides clear guidance for online instructors. Furthermore, Hiltz & Goldman, (2009) state there are clear differences between the learning approaches related to networked learning including Asynchronous Learning Networks (anytime, anywhere), Personal Learning Networks, (conceptualized, built and controlled by the learner), and Networked Learning (social connections to form one’s understanding).
That being the case, my theory supposed that:
- if there were an instructional design method which indicated how NGL courses should be developed and what they should include; then
- the limited knowledge of more traditional or less experienced instructional designers would be less of an issue; as
- a blueprint for effective NGL design would exist; so
- genuine networked learning could take place.
Consequently, this design-based research proposal will investigate how a universal instructional design method should be developed so digital NGL courses can be designed effectively, then determine what it might look like.