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Learning Experience Design

Orientation to the Profession

Rebecca Quintana, PhD and Chris Quintana

In Orientation to the Profession, you’ll be introduced to the “big ideas” of LXD. Begin with the essential aspects of the design process, from ideation to evaluation. During this section, you’ll also take a brief look at learning theories and design frameworks that help LXDs move from an initial concept to a completed course. Examine the instructional triangle to identify productive interactions in support of learning, and understand how technology can be used throughout the design process and by learners during the course. Gain insight into the foundational ideas of inclusive design and study principles of Universal Design for Learning. Finally, you’ll hear from several learning professionals, as you situate yourself in the field and start to map your own career path. This course will include an immersive activity where you can experience what it is like to join a project team as a new learning experience designer. By participating in this orientation, you’ll gain an appreciation for the creativity and complexity of the profession, and be well-positioned to continue on in the series.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and Welcome to the Course
In Week 1 of the course, you’ll become oriented to contemporary issues and directions in the field and you’ll be introduced to the “big ideas” of LXD. You’ll examine the instructional triangle to identify productive interactions in support of learning. You’ll learn the essential aspects of the design process, from ideation to evaluation. You’ll take a brief look at learning theories and design frameworks that help LXDs move from an initial concept to a completed course. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from learning professionals working in the field and learn from their experiences working in authentic design contexts.
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Designing for All Learners
In Week 2 of the course, you’ll begin to examine the importance of considering learner variability from the start of the learning design process and explore ways to incorporate principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into your design practice. You’ll also become familiar with ideas from inclusive design, universal design, and Universal Design for Learning, and practice applying these principles to design learning experiences that are accessible to all learners. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from learning professionals in the field who focus on accessibility and inclusive design.
The Role of Technology in Learning Experience Design
In Week 3 of the course, we will discuss the importance of learning experience designers cultivating a critical mindset for technology use. We will make the distinction between technologies that learning experience designers use as part of professional practice and learning technologies that LXDs use in their designs to support the learning process. We will also discuss how to evaluate the potential affordances and constraints of different technologies and the importance of staying current with emerging technologies.
Situating Yourself in the Field of Learning Experience Design
In Week 4, you’ll begin to define learning experience design and explore how it differs from instructional design. You’ll deepen your understanding of the skills and attitudes that are essential to the profession of learning experience design and explore potential career paths in this field. You’ll work on constructing a personal professional development plan and review the professional development plans of others.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Breaks down learning experience design concepts and processes for beginners
Introduces essential aspects of the learning design process, from ideation to evaluation
Examines learning theories and design frameworks that guide LXDs in creating effective learning experiences
Emphasizes the importance of considering learner variability and promotes inclusive design practices
Highlights the role of technology in LXD and encourages critical evaluation of its potential and limitations
Introduces the field of learning experience design and helps learners situate themselves within it

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession with these activities:
Review Learning Theories and Design Frameworks
Reviewing learning theories and design frameworks will help you build a solid foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Learning Theories
Show steps
  • Read the articles provided in the course materials.
  • Watch the videos on learning theories and design frameworks.
  • Complete the practice exercises.
Practice using LXD tools and software
Enhance your proficiency in using industry-standard LXD tools and software by practicing and exploring their features, ensuring your technical skills are up-to-date.
Show steps
  • Identify key LXD tools and software used in the industry.
  • Create a practice project to experiment with the features and functionality of these tools.
  • Complete tutorials or online courses to develop your proficiency.
Review the foundational concepts of learning design
Review the essential principles of LXD and foundational learning theories to strengthen your foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Learning Design
Show steps
  • Read the assigned textbook chapters on learning theories and design frameworks.
  • Summarize the key concepts and principles covered in the chapters.
  • Create a concept map or visual representation to organize your understanding.
Ten other activities
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Read "The Art of Learning" by Josh Waitzkin
Explore the principles of learning and skill acquisition through the lens of a world-class chess player, enhancing your understanding of the cognitive and psychological aspects of learning.
View The Art of Learning on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key insights and strategies.
  • Identify and analyze the techniques Waitzkin uses to improve his learning.
  • Reflect on how these principles can be applied to the field of LXD.
Create a Simple Learning Experience Design
Creating a simple learning experience design will help you apply the concepts you learn in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in.
  • Identify the learning objectives for your design.
  • Develop a storyboard for your design.
  • Create a prototype of your design.
  • Test your design with a few users.
Practice sketching wireframes
Sketching wireframes is a fundamental skill in LXD. This activity will help you develop your ability to create visual representations of your ideas, which is essential for communicating with stakeholders and getting feedback.
Browse courses on Wireframing
Show steps
  • Choose a simple app or website to design
  • Sketch out the main screens and their flow
  • Get feedback from others and iterate on your design
Attend LXD meetups or conferences
Connect with professionals in the field of LXD, expanding your network, learning about industry trends, and gaining valuable insights from experienced practitioners.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant LXD meetups or conferences.
  • Attend the events and actively participate in discussions.
  • Exchange contact information and stay connected with other attendees.
Apply design principles to real-world scenarios
Engage in hands-on design exercises to apply the principles you learn in the course to realistic learning scenarios, solidifying your understanding.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific learning problem or challenge.
  • Brainstorm and develop potential design solutions.
  • Create a prototype or mock-up of your design.
  • Evaluate your design and iterate based on feedback.
Volunteer at a Local Learning Organization
Volunteering at a local learning organization will give you hands-on experience in the field.
Show steps
  • Research local learning organizations.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend volunteer training.
  • Volunteer at the organization on a regular basis.
Design and develop a sample learning module
Put your LXD skills into practice by creating a learning module that incorporates the principles of inclusive design and Universal Design for Learning, demonstrating your ability to apply theory to practice.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic or skill to focus on.
  • Develop the learning objectives and outline for your module.
  • Create the content for your module, including text, visuals, and interactive elements.
  • Incorporate principles of inclusive design and UDL to ensure accessibility for all learners.
  • Test and iterate on your module based on user feedback.
Develop a career development plan for LXD
Create a roadmap for your professional growth in LXD, identifying your strengths, areas for improvement, and potential career paths, ensuring a clear direction for your future in the field.
Show steps
  • Assess your current skills and experience in LXD.
  • Research different career paths and specializations within LXD.
  • Identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Develop a plan for acquiring new skills and knowledge.
  • Set specific goals and timelines for your career development.
Develop a Learning Experience Design Portfolio
Developing a learning experience design portfolio will showcase your skills and help you land a job in the field.
Show steps
  • Gather your best work samples.
  • Create a website or online portfolio to showcase your work.
  • Promote your portfolio to potential employers.
Contribute to open-source LXD projects
Engage in collaborative open-source projects related to LXD, gaining hands-on experience, contributing to the community, and enhancing your problem-solving and technical skills.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source LXD projects that align with your interests and skillset.
  • Review the project documentation and contribute bug reports or suggestions.
  • Create pull requests with code changes or enhancements.

Career center

Learners who complete Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Learning Experience Designer
Learning Experience Designers create and implement learning experiences that are engaging and effective. They use their knowledge of learning theory and instructional design to develop learning materials, activities, and assessments. This course is an introduction to the profession of learning experience design. It covers the essential aspects of the design process, from ideation to evaluation. The course will also help you understand the role of technology in learning experience design and how to design for all learners.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design and develop educational curricula for schools, colleges, and other organizations. They work with teachers, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to create learning materials and experiences that meet the needs of students. This course may be useful for aspiring curriculum developers since it covers the instructional triangle, learning theories, and design frameworks. The course will also help curriculum developers understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Training Specialist
Training Specialists develop and deliver training programs for employees. They work with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to create training materials and experiences that meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for aspiring training specialists since it covers the instructional triangle, learning theories, and design frameworks. The course will also help training specialists understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants provide advice and support to schools, colleges, and other organizations on educational issues. They may work with administrators, teachers, and parents to develop and implement educational programs and policies. This course may be useful for aspiring educational consultants since it covers the instructional triangle, learning theories, and design frameworks. The course will also help educational consultants understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designers create and develop the interactions between users and products and services. They use their knowledge of human behavior and cognitive science to create interactions that are intuitive and enjoyable. This course may be useful for aspiring interaction designers since it covers the instructional triangle and design frameworks. The course will also help interaction designers understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Information Architect
Information Architects create and develop the structure and organization of websites and other digital products. They use their knowledge of human behavior and cognitive science to create information architectures that are easy to understand and navigate. This course may be useful for aspiring information architects since it covers the instructional triangle and design frameworks. The course will also help information architects understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Mobile App Designer
Mobile App Designers create and develop mobile apps. They use their knowledge of human behavior and cognitive science to create apps that are easy to use and enjoyable. This course may be useful for aspiring mobile app designers since it covers the instructional triangle and design frameworks. The course will also help mobile app designers understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers develop, create, and evaluate instructional or learning materials. They translate subject matter content into learning experiences for a variety of audiences. This course may be useful for aspiring instructional designers since it covers the instructional triangle, learning theories, and design frameworks. The course will also help instructional designers understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Web Designer
Web Designers create and develop websites. They use their knowledge of human behavior and cognitive science to create websites that are easy to use and enjoyable. This course may be useful for aspiring web designers since it covers the instructional triangle and design frameworks. The course will also help web designers understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Product Designer
Product Designers create and develop physical and digital products. They use their knowledge of human behavior and cognitive science to create products that are useful, usable, and desirable. This course may be useful for aspiring product designers since it covers the instructional triangle and design frameworks. The course will also help product designers understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Instructional Technologist
Instructional Technologists use their knowledge of technology and learning theory to design and develop educational materials and experiences. They work with teachers and other stakeholders to integrate technology into the learning environment. This course may be useful for aspiring instructional technologists since it covers the role of technology in learning experience design. The course will also help instructional technologists understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Game Designer
Game Designers create and develop video games. They use their knowledge of human behavior and cognitive science to create games that are fun and engaging. This course may be useful for aspiring game designers since it covers the instructional triangle and design frameworks. The course will also help game designers understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
UX Designer
UX Designers design and evaluate the user experience of websites, apps, and other digital products. They use their knowledge of human behavior and cognitive science to create designs that are easy to use and enjoyable. This course may be useful for aspiring UX designers since it covers the instructional triangle and design frameworks. The course will also help UX designers understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Experience Designer
Experience Designers create and develop experiences for customers and users. They use their knowledge of human behavior and cognitive science to create experiences that are memorable and meaningful. This course may be useful for aspiring experience designers since it covers the instructional triangle and design frameworks. The course will also help experience designers understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.
Human Factors Engineer
Human Factors Engineers design and evaluate products and systems to make them safe, efficient, and easy to use. They use their knowledge of human behavior and cognitive science to create designs that meet the needs of users. This course may be useful for aspiring human factors engineers since it covers the instructional triangle and design frameworks. The course will also help human factors engineers understand how to design for learners with different backgrounds and abilities.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession.
Provides a step-by-step guide to the ADDIE model for instructional design. It offers practical advice on how to use this model to design and develop effective learning experiences.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on multimedia learning. It covers a wide range of topics, including the cognitive processes involved in learning from multimedia, the design of effective multimedia learning materials, and the use of multimedia in different educational settings.
Provides practical guidance on how to design learning experiences that are based on the latest research on how people learn. It covers a wide range of topics, including the principles of cognitive load theory, the use of visuals in learning, and the design of effective feedback.
Provides a more in-depth look at the major learning theories. It offers a critical analysis of each theory, as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on cognition and education. It covers a wide range of topics, including the cognitive processes involved in learning, the development of cognitive skills, and the design of effective learning environments.
Offers a roadmap for transforming higher education. It provides practical advice on how to create a more innovative and effective university that is better suited to the needs of the 21st century learner.

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