Synthesize Knowledge

Competency 1: Synthesize Knowledge 

• Demonstrates ability to read and understand educational literature related to Educational Technology
• Demonstrates ability to describe fundamental theories of human learning
• Applies knowledge of human learning, diversity, and effective pedagogy to solution of problems

Representative Artifacts:

This Sample Case Analysis is a prime example of my ability to apply knowledge of learning, diversity and effective pedagogy to a specific problem, in search of a useful solution. The case at hand required the consultant to take a course that had previously been conducted in-person, and move it to an online treatment. This is the exact type of situation that will continue to arise in education and across all kinds of industry, as distance learning becomes more and more cost effective. It is important though, that we apply knowledge of effective educational design to ensure that these new distance courses are at least as effective as their in-person predecessors. There are inherent benefits and drawbacks to any given delivery system, but a strong course of well-designed content and activities leverages those strengths to create a better learner experience. Incorporating these different aspects of instructional design demonstrates my ability to read and understand educational literature related to the Educational Technology.

Applies Knowledge to Solution of Problems
This case study exhibits my ability to identify key stakeholders and their interests, analyze the biggest issues to overcome, and apply knowledge of learning, diversity, and pedagogy to develop a plausible solution. While there are a number of ways to approach a situation such as this, I believe the solution that I ultimately proposed addresses the concerns of the stakeholders (including keeping costs in line), without sacrificing quality. The treatment of the course described in this artifact will prove to be more cost-effective, less stressful, and will result in positive reactions, learning, changes in behavior, and ultimately, value for the organization.

While I am not a SME for this field, the knowledge of systematic instructional design, and best practices for distance learning helped me to create a viable solution for the situation. Synthesizing the various models and theories of human learning, and applying what fit the situation best, allowed for me to create a solution that was also practical, and easy to explain to potential stakeholders.

Describes Fundamental Theories of Human Learning
The Final Paper that is attached to this post also exemplifies the ability to understand and describe theories of human learning, and other literature related to Educational Technology. This paper outlines the pedagogical method of an educational non-profit, called Young Writers Project. Young Writers Project pulls from a number of different sources to bolster its educational philosophy and pedagogy. After careful analysis, it became apparent that their philosophy was based around Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction, as well as cognitive information processing, constructivist or situated learning, and a number of other, more specific references. Young Writers Project also espouses a project-based learning view, and a strong affinity for social learning.

The Final Paper outlines the process that Young Writers Project follows, while explaining the literature and theory behind it. A number of different approaches and theories are touched on; described, explained, and put into context. The paper itself is both an analysis of a specific pedagogy, and an example of my ability to read and understand both the theories and literature that lay the groundwork for current work in the instructional design, and educational technology fields. Analyzing Young Writers Project’s method was a great way to bring the theory and literature to life, and see how it applies to a real world organization, and situation.