Welcome
My name is Kimberly K. Harrison and I'd like to welcome you to my electronic portfolio. The purpose of this website is to provide an insight into the graduate work I completed while pursuing a M.Ed. Educational Technology: IDDL. You will see a breakdown of course work and key assignments that I have completed which will showcase my expert-level abilities.
About Kimberly
I have a M.Ed. in Instructional Design and a B.S.Ed. in Middle Childhood Education with an emphasis in Language Arts and Social Studies from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. I decided to take the path to become an educator after I ran into my science teacher from junior high. She had a profound effect on me both academically and personally. Her inspiration helped motivate me to be the person I am today and to strengthen my resolve and follow my passion for education.
Before I began my full-time educational journey, I was stationed with my husband at various military bases and spent my time volunteering with both military and civilian organizations and studying at the University of South Carolina. Upon returning to Ohio, I earned an Associate of Arts degree from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, and then transferred to Wright State University where I earned my bachelors degree. After spending some time in the classroom, I decided to return to Wright State and pursue a M.Ed. in Educational Technology: Instructional Design for Digital Learning. I believe traditional education is taking a sharp turn towards digital learning and I want to be at the forefront.
During the program, I've developed expert skills in Articulate Storyline 2 by creating a digital citizenship course for anti-bullying and a space science learning game for students in grades 4-7. I have learned the foundations for developing and creating educational games with input from subject matter experts (SME) from a course I took through MIT. I have also mastered the skills required to develop and manage courses in various learning management systems (LMS) such as Blackboard Collaborate and Canvas based on the ADDIE model. I have become an expert in survey development through Qualtrics, conducting needs, task, and learner analysis, and qualitative and quantitative research studies.
You will also see workshops with examples that I have created using Camtasia and Snagit, which discuss andragogy, Community of Inquiry (CoI), Understanding by Design (UbD), and various learning theories applicable to digital learning.
Before I began my full-time educational journey, I was stationed with my husband at various military bases and spent my time volunteering with both military and civilian organizations and studying at the University of South Carolina. Upon returning to Ohio, I earned an Associate of Arts degree from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, and then transferred to Wright State University where I earned my bachelors degree. After spending some time in the classroom, I decided to return to Wright State and pursue a M.Ed. in Educational Technology: Instructional Design for Digital Learning. I believe traditional education is taking a sharp turn towards digital learning and I want to be at the forefront.
During the program, I've developed expert skills in Articulate Storyline 2 by creating a digital citizenship course for anti-bullying and a space science learning game for students in grades 4-7. I have learned the foundations for developing and creating educational games with input from subject matter experts (SME) from a course I took through MIT. I have also mastered the skills required to develop and manage courses in various learning management systems (LMS) such as Blackboard Collaborate and Canvas based on the ADDIE model. I have become an expert in survey development through Qualtrics, conducting needs, task, and learner analysis, and qualitative and quantitative research studies.
You will also see workshops with examples that I have created using Camtasia and Snagit, which discuss andragogy, Community of Inquiry (CoI), Understanding by Design (UbD), and various learning theories applicable to digital learning.
Program Overview
M.Ed. Educational Technology- Instructional Design for Digital Learning
The Master of Education in Educational Technology - Instructional Design for Digital Learning program prepares students to become highly trained instructional designers, armed with the tools they need to bring innovative teaching and training practices into education, corporate, and governmental settings. The degree program covers the effective design and implementation of online and blended-learning classes, as well as the research, theory, and research methodologies associated with the effective design of online and blended-learning classes. Some of the topics discussed throughout the degree program include:
The Master of Education in Educational Technology - Instructional Design for Digital Learning program prepares students to become highly trained instructional designers, armed with the tools they need to bring innovative teaching and training practices into education, corporate, and governmental settings. The degree program covers the effective design and implementation of online and blended-learning classes, as well as the research, theory, and research methodologies associated with the effective design of online and blended-learning classes. Some of the topics discussed throughout the degree program include:
- Connecting learning theory and teaching practices
- Brain-based learning
- Backward design
- Learning strategies
- Collaboration and teaming
- Evaluation
- Professional development
- Cognitive load theory
- Cognitive theory of multimedia learning
- Use of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs
- Scholarship of teaching and learning
- Literature reviews
- Ethics and digital citizenship
Course Overview
EDL 7200- Analysis of Teaching
An analytic and practical approach to teaching methods and skills for inducing learning with attention to interaction analysis and cognitive science.
An analytic and practical approach to teaching methods and skills for inducing learning with attention to interaction analysis and cognitive science.
Reflection on Learning
- The focus of this course was multi-sensory learning. Using PowerPoint and Camtasia, I created a presentation and video discussing the three different learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. I discusses the traits of each learning style and some tools educators can use to address students who fall into each style.
- Before taking this course I only knew the basic theory behind learning but in this course, I learned how to incorporate all learning styles in order to address the needs for a variety of learners, both school-age and adult, which will allow me to create highly effective courses in my career.
EDT 6700- Ed Tech Skills/MITx Design and Development of Games for Learning
An intensive, practical study in a selected interdisciplinary study of educational or applied technology and library media.
An intensive, practical study in a selected interdisciplinary study of educational or applied technology and library media.
Reflection on Learning
This course was offered and taken through Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and focused on the characteristics of a “learning game” and an understanding of ways that games can provide meaningful experiences.
- Instruction on how to design, develop, and test a learning game, utilize educational frameworks and incorporate feedback.
- Discussion of the types and kinds of challenges regarding implementation and assessment of learning games, the current state and emerging trends of the educational games market.
- Before taking this course I have very little knowledge about how extensive creating an educational game can be, including the amount of thought and time that goes into developing prototypes and producing final products. I have learned about how to design a game proposal, create a game prototype, and develop a final product. I created a space science game geared towards students in grades 4-7 and plan to expand upon that game as my experience with game-design tools increases. In the future, I plan to create additional games in various (more challenging) subject matter so sensory learners can better understand the material.
EDT 7800- Information and Communication Technology
Information and communication technology provides effective technology integration strategies to educators in the K-12 arena. Participants are introduced to key technology skills and explore current and emerging practices in educational technologies.
Information and communication technology provides effective technology integration strategies to educators in the K-12 arena. Participants are introduced to key technology skills and explore current and emerging practices in educational technologies.
Reflection on learning
This course examined many tools educators and students use to create products for the classroom like newspapers, blogs, and spreadsheets.
- I constructed arguments for and against using sustainable, educationally-justified choices of when and how to integrate technologies such as interactive whiteboards.
- Educational theory topics such as constructivism, motivation, cooperative learning, cooperative problems solving, situated learning, peer instruction, and peer feedback are discussed.
- Before taking this course, I had limited knowledge of the technology that is available for use in the classroom and other training environments. I have become well versed in the theory behind using various technologies and how to incorporate them into everyday learning, which is a good foundation for those in the educational technology field.
EDT 8130- Making Online Courses Interactive
Examines the theory and practices of using educational technologies to ensure online courses include ample interaction. Class includes the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize some of these educational technologies.
Examines the theory and practices of using educational technologies to ensure online courses include ample interaction. Class includes the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize some of these educational technologies.
reflection on learning
This course focused on the Community of Inquiry (COI) framework. I created three online lessons to address the requirements of COI:
- The first lesson discussed using the COI framework in logistics courses.
- The second lesson discussed the quality of online courses using a comparison and contrast of faculty attitudes towards online learning.
- The third lesson discussed humanizing online learning by designing classes to enhance social, cognitive and teaching presence.
- Before taking this course, I had limited knowledge of how to enable students to take control of their own learning experience. I have learned how to help students enhance their learning experience by developing relationships with others while maintaining individuality. I have also learned how to enable students to construct meaning by connecting to the material through reflection. Another important factor I have mastered is how to help learners by instructing teachers how to build positive and effective relationships with their presence and approach.
EDT 8150- Digital Professional Development
Students will use elements of instructional design and storyboarding techniques to translate instruction into various types of multimedia professional development workshops.
Students will use elements of instructional design and storyboarding techniques to translate instruction into various types of multimedia professional development workshops.
reflection on learning
- The course focused on using The Six Assumptions of Andragogy and the various tools and approaches educators can use to incorporate the ideas into classwork.
- Before I took this course, I knew how to create curriculum based on the instructional techniques tailored towards elementary and middle school students (pedagogy.) Taking this course has taught me how to use the andragogy principles to create curriculum for adults that will help optimize learning and provide a more meaningful educational experience.
EDT 8210- Applied Psychology Learning Theory for Digital Learning
An introduction to multimedia learning theory and how theory can be integrated into instructional design.
An introduction to multimedia learning theory and how theory can be integrated into instructional design.
reflection on learning
The course focused on:
- The cognitive load theory in general and examined the three types of cognitive load theory--intrinsic, extraneous, and germane.
- The five basic principles of human cognitive architecture and their importance in learning.
- The cognitive theory of multimedia learning and the three underlying assumptions that help to shape it.
- A video tutorial demonstrating three instructional design elements used to reduce cognitive load.
- Taking this course has allowed me to master my skills in reducing cognitive load in the courses I design. I have learned how cognitive load can affect how a learner processes information and how it is stored in the memory. Based on the principles of human cognitive architecture, every learner processes information differently and instructors can actually deliver more information in presentations using only graphics and spoken word than adding on-screen text to the mix as well. These skills are essential to all instructional designers and will be beneficial when creating coursework.
EDT 8220- Instructional Design Concepts and Theories
Students will explore a variety of instructional design concepts and theories, software applications, and how instructional design theory can be applied to practice.
Students will explore a variety of instructional design concepts and theories, software applications, and how instructional design theory can be applied to practice.
reflection on learning
- The information discussed in this course focused on creating a learner, needs, and task analysis. Using the information gathered in each analysis, I was able to create a client report that included goals and objectives and a final evaluation.
- Before taking this course, I was unaware of the importance of finding out the how learning should be organized and delivered based on the needs of the students and the subject matter in question. Taking this class has allowed me to master the process of analyzing what learners need based on their current level of understanding. I have also mastered my skills in creating client reports which outline the goals of the instruction, how to obtain those goals, and what a company or institution needs to do in order to facilitate changes. This is an important concept instructional designers need to understand in order to create effective curriculum.
EDT 8230- Digital Scholarship of Teaching: Research Methodologies
Students will conceptually explore different research methodologies in relation to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Students will conceptually explore different research methodologies in relation to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
reflection on learning
The course discussed qualitative and quantitative research techniques such as:
- Interviewing and observations and the open or closed coding for data analysis.
- Measure of central tendency, univariate statistics and correlations.
- The organization of data (e.g., coding), and displayed (e.g., tables and charts) for the field of educational technology.
- How results of research studies are reported, such as interpreting effect sizes.
- Prior to taking this course, I had limited knowledge of how to conduct research studies or interpreting the differences in results. Taking this course has expanded my understanding of the importance of why studies are conducted in educational technology and how the various types of studies help explain certain aspects of learning and understanding. I have also learned the procedures for conducting quantitative and qualitative studies and how to create effective coding forms to record data and analyze that data. Research studies are important in instructional design because it helps to make digital learning platforms more effective and relevant as needs change.
EDT 8250- Digital Citizenship
Examines the issues and responsibilities of using digital technologies. Consideration of issues of intellectual property rights, ethics, managing online reputation, and professional responsibilities.
Examines the issues and responsibilities of using digital technologies. Consideration of issues of intellectual property rights, ethics, managing online reputation, and professional responsibilities.
reflection on learning
- This course is a capstone class that focused on the completion of my electronic portfolio, the "do's and dont's" of being a good digital citizen, and using Articulate Storyline.
- I created an informative simulation on cyber-bullying that addresses the causes and effects of cyber-bullying, especially among kids in grades 4-12.
- Although I was aware of the importance of what being a good digital citizen meant before taking this course, I was unaware of how many digital technology users didn't understand the concept, especially younger users. Through this course, I was able to increase my skills of digital citizenship so I can pass the knowledge onto others. I created an interactive cyber-bullying workshop with Articulate Storyline for learners in grades 4-12. Understanding what it is to be a good digital citizen doesn't stop with technology users of a younger generation. I can take the knowledge I've learned and use it while working in a digital environment.
EDT 8120/8390- Instructional Design & Online Learning
Students use learning theory and instructional design principals develop high quality, engaging online instruction.
Students use learning theory and instructional design principals develop high quality, engaging online instruction.
reflection on learning
- This course discussed the different stages of Understanding by Design (UbD) and how to create a class based on these stages:
- Stage 0 is course approval where the basic information of the course is listed.
- Stage 1 is where you identify the desired results of the course, give course information, and list the content standards, transfer goals, acquisition of knowledge and skills, etc.
- Stage 2 is where you determine what is acceptable evidence like performance tasks.
- Stage 3 discusses the planning of learning experiences based on the WHERETO learning plan. I created a course in Women's Literature where students read a wide range of literature from many time periods and in many genres in order to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of the (female) human experience.
- Prior to taking this course, I had no knowledge of what Understanding by Design entailed. Although I had experience creating lesson plans for school-aged learners, I didn't have the proper training to create effective coursework for adult learners. This course taught me how to create the coursework in different stages in order to achieve maximum results. Using the WHERETO learning plan, I will be able to develop curriculum that allows learners to understand the information, create a meaningful connection to that information and transfer it into real world applications.
EDT 8590- Learning Management Systems & Evaluation
Examines the issues with integrating curriculum with educational technologies such as learning management systems and the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate the quality of online courses.
Examines the issues with integrating curriculum with educational technologies such as learning management systems and the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate the quality of online courses.
reflection on learning
- In this course, I created a workshop that compares two learning management systems--Desire2Learn (D2L) and Canvas.
- The pros and cons for various features of each management system was addressed as well as the "how-to's" for various tools.
- A final recommendation for the preferred LMS was given.
- Prior to taking this course, my only exposure to a learning management system (LMS) was through taking online classes. After taking this course, I have learned the steps involved in creating and managing online classes in a LMS, how to use the tools provided by that LMS to create assessments and drop boxes, post grades and individual feedback. I gained enough knowledge of each platform to develop a thorough critical evaluation of the two learning management systems based on the features, tools, and user interface each offered and provided a final recommendation. Mastering this skill is useful as an instructional designer because companies and educational institutions differ on the platforms they use and an opportunity may arise where a change is needed. Knowing how a LMS operates allows me to provide expert feedback on which will be the most effective to use.
Intellectual property acknowledgement
*I acknowledge that I retain the ownership of this intellectual property, but give permission for this presentation to be shared in other educational settings with the agreement that the authors are given credit for the production.
“There can be infinite uses of the computer and of new age technology, but if the teachers themselves are not able to bring it into the classroom and make it work, then it fails.” – Nancy Kassebaum