With ever changing technology, a competitive job market, and challenging budgets, it will be important for IDT graduates to stand out among the rest in order to build a successful career. This will mean going beyond the classroom in order to expand knowledge and experience, creating opportunities for professional growth and development while using what we know about instructional design and technology. I have added two RSS feeds to my blog this week in an effort to expand my own learning and to share with others some of what is available on the web.
The first, Learning Solutions Magazine, provides articles that fit within the categories of management, performance support, project management, training strategies, and games and learning. This magazine has been available since 2002 and has an archive of articles attributed to elearning as well as current information for conferences that may be of interest to other IDT professionals. You can check out their site and subscribe to their RSS feed here: http://www.learningsolutionsmag.com/
The second feed I have added is from Float Mobile Learning, a client focused consulting agency that specializes in mobile app development for custom learning needs. Float works with companies to analyze needs and develop mobile apps that will help to improve employee performance. Their feed delivers articles related to mobile technology and learning solutions for various company needs that have been addressed with mobile solutions. You can learn more about Float and subscribe to their RSS feed here: http://floatlearning.com/services/
Finally I do want to share information for a podcast that is available on itunes, the elearning coach with Connie Malamed. I have been subscribed to the elearning coach since I began the IDT MS program at WIU and have enjoyed the "breaking into IDT" series as well as the regular email articles that address and provide links to additional solutions for instructional design. You will find the itunes podcast information at this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elearning-coach-podcast/id592110281?mt=2 and you can visit the elearning coach webite using this link: http://theelearningcoach.com/about/. I think you will find that each of these connections will increase your opportunities to design for yourself an instructional opportunity that will provide professional growth and experience in IDT.
You bring up such an important point regarding initiatives that we often start with great enthusiasm, but due to a variety of matters, we are unable to complete or “put on the back burner” for a later time. I too resurrected a previous tool, Twitter, thanks to this IDT course. In the past I focused my attention on the social aspect of Twitter and eventually lost interest. Recently, I updated this account, un-followed old friends, and instead, searched for professional feeds that would benefit me professionally. I’m very interested in taking more time to familiarize myself with your recommended podcast with Connie Malamed. I tend to focus my attention on tools that benefit my classroom profession, but would really like to expand my arsenal to include additional aspects and areas of instructional design and technology. Thanks for the great resources!
ReplyDeleteYou have added great feeds and resources. If more connections and resources over your degree, this can become a viable portfolio project.
ReplyDeleteIt can feel overwhelming to try and stay on top of everything associated with 21st century technology for the work place and school. New devices, upgrades and software developments hit the market daily it seems. I am still trying to learn my way around the IDT field and figure out where and how I would like to branch out of the classroom with the knowledge, understanding and skills I develop throughout this program. I took at look at the Learning Solutions Magazine link you posted and I would like to search some of their archives for some of the ideas I have regarding consulting and project work as an IDT professional.
ReplyDeleteI am curious about your interest in STEM from the bookmarks on your blog. Do you have any interest outside of the classroom with this?