LTEC 5210 Instructional Systems Design I- Fall 2016

For week 8, activity 6, we are asked to blog about our thoughts on the Method of Loci.  This is a mnemonic visually filing system that is used by many to memorize content for exams, sales presentations, stage performances, etc.  Simonides of Ceos, a Greek lyric poet, is attributed to coming up with such method. The story goes that Simonides had attended a dinner and after leaving the feast hall, it collapsed, killing everyone inside.  Using what would be the beginning of this method, he was able to identify all the bodies (Cohen, 2010).   The mental activity was very interesting.  At first, I didn’t really cared for it but after a few minutes of practice, I got intrigued.  I actually got the method to work for me and now I want to be able to put it to use, particularly since I seem to become more and more forgetful about my to-do-list as I get older. I work with dental students, I can see how this method would come in handy for dental procedures students...

For week 6 we are to reflect about are thoughts on instructional design.  Instructional design has been more complicated than what I expected.  I have come across many challenges for the design project.  My biggest challenge has been understanding the client’s needs.  It has also been difficult scheduling our meetings as she is a very busy person and is traveling a lot this semester.  Another issue for me has been my reluctance at working with the design document.  I am so used to ‘just going for it’ and not having to do any documentation, therefore it has been a very big challenge for my brain to make the metal switch.  One of my weaknesses is writing lesson’s goals and learning objectives.  I do not have a teaching background and I find this area so confusing.  I have read and watched videos on these subjects and while looking at the information it all makes sense, but when it comes to me writing my project goals and objectives, I get v...