Changes as a Designer
Before starting the IT program, I did not consider myself to be a designer. I had created content such as graphics, tutorials, and presentations in the past, but I did not put much thought into the design process when doing so. I simply played, experimented, and created based on what I thought looked good, and from what I observed from similar content I had seen / experienced. One important thing I have learned from the IT program is an understanding of using the ADDIE framework along with a "toolbox" of methods, concepts, theories, and models when designing.
One of my first "ah-ha" moments in the IT program was in IT510 when I saw how my design document (link) linked to the instructional document (link). It was near the end of the semester and the deadline was rapidly approaching. When the semester first started, I felt that putting together a "how-to" guide for BeeKeeping would be simple and fun. However, by the end of the semester I observed that a lot of work had gone into the design document, but I had not started the actual instruction document. The deadline was rapidly approaching and I felt like I had fallen behind schedule. I e-mailed Dr. Knowlton with my concerns. He encouraged me to just get started and do my best, so I dug in for what I thought was an impossible task. I started and simply followed my own set of written instructions. I quickly realized that all of the difficult work had already been done. My instruction document seemed to magically emerge from my design document. I felt a sense of excitement and saw how the in-depth preparation time helped to simplify the creation of the instruction.
In my design metaphor from IT500 (link), I explain how I saw design as a process of exploration. In my past experiences with design, I struck out into the wilderness on my own with no guide. I feel that the IT program has equipped me with a set of tools to navigate the exploration processes. In the past I would begin a project by simply digging in and creating the content. Now I stop to analyze the project and lay out a framework of what I want to achieve. In the past I would simply create without taking into consideration what the best course might be. Now I consider the audience, the information that the learners should learn, and ways to ensure that a knowledge transfer occurs. I have learned that more detail in planning and preparation helps to ensure a quality end product.
To sumamrize, I believe the biggest changes for me from the IT program is that I have learned how to prepare and plan my tasks rather, and how to better communicate information to my target audience.