Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession

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.

• 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.
• 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.