Jana Brewer

2.6 Instructional Design - model and facilitate the effective use of research-based best practices in
instructional design when designing and developing digital tools, resources, and technology-enhanced
learning experiences.
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Briefly describe the artifact and the context in which it was created. What was your individual
contribution(s)?
The Online Learning Experience I developed is a 4 week course designed for seventh grade

science students in Georgia. This course covers content related to the standard S7L4 which

covers ecosystems, interactions of organisms, flow of energy, and threats to ecosystems.

Students completing this course will use Google Sites along with Google Classroom as a means

of getting course information, assignment descriptions, and turn in work. In addition to

developing the course content and syllabus, I also included a welcome statement, site

navigation instructions, and basic support and directions. I created a series of assignments and

projects for students to complete to develop their understanding of ecosystems and to reach

mastery of this content standard. At the end of this course, students will complete a post-test as

well as a course evaluation.

Explain how this artifact demonstrates mastery of the standard/element under which it is placed.
This artifact shows evidence that I am able to model and facilitate the effective use of research-

based best practices when developing an online learning experience for students. Throughout the

development of this course, I kept in mind specific student learning needs, Bloom’s Taxonomy,

Universal Design for Learning, and technology needs. This course includes a variety of ways for

students to learn the content, interact with the content, and show their understanding of the

content while also meeting specific learning needs for each student. Throughout the completion of

the course, students participate in small groups that change based on student needs. I also designed

this course so students are given choice in how to present their knowledge on the major projects at

the end of each module. The Online Learning Experience shows my ability to develop and design and
 Jana Brewer

online course using technology-enhanced learning experiences and also meet the needs of each

student.

What did you learn from completing this artifact? What would you do differently to improve the
quality of the artifact or the process involved in creating the artifact? (Not changing anything is
not an acceptable response.)
The work that went into completing this artifact taught me to take my time, research, and plan

an effective course that students can work through with a learning coach or parent. It was very

important that I pay close attention to details I was providing and giving clear instructions and

rubrics on assignments students would be completing since I would not physically be present to

answer questions or help. In the beginning, I found this task to be very tedious, but after having

students complete this course, I understand how helpful and effective the clear, step-by-step

instructions and rubrics were. To improve this artifact, I would provide videos that allow students to

hear me read the instructions and answer commonly asked questions. These videos would be

helpful for students to gain a better understanding of how to complete their assignments, the

expectations I had, and feel more connected to me as their teacher.

How did the work that went into creating this artifact impact school improvement, faculty
development, or student learning? How can this impact be assessed?
The work that went into creating this artifact impacted student learning because it helped me

design a course that was appropriate for seventh grade students and provided them with what they

needed to be successful when learning from home. When schools shut down in Spring 2020, this

was not something I was prepared to develop for my students so the learning that took place from

home was not at a level that helped students have positive learning experiences. After working to

develop this course for my students, I was able to provide a more positive learning environment for

them, help them remain connected to their classmates, and encourage them to participate and

remain engaged in their schoolwork.