top of page

WELCOME TO MY LEARNING JOURNEY

Sydney Hamilton

This blog documents my learning journey as an E-Portfolio for LHA1195: Technology@Work: The Internet in Workplace Learning and Change

Home: Welcome
Home: Blog2
Search

Algorithms & Instructional Design

  • Writer: Sydney Hamilton
    Sydney Hamilton
  • Mar 27, 2019
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 8, 2019

I must admit that going into this course, this module was one of the ones I was the least excited about, primarily because I felt quite intimidated by the subject. Algorithms were for computer scientists and web developers, not regular people in regular jobs. Then, I watched Cathy O’Neill’s TedTalk, and realized that perhaps it really isn’t all that complicated. We make decisions every day based on the data we’ve collected in our experiences in our lifetime. Our opinions are formed out of knowledge, the code, that is embedded in our minds: whether that’s what we choose to cook for dinner, how we decide to tackle or project or even what time we should go to bed. The success of these definitions are based on this codified knowledge, and each definition is unique to the individual; the observer.


ree

Now, I realize that it isn’t really as simple as that, but it does help put into perspective how algorithms are a part of the work that I do on a daily basis in developing training sessions. This got me thinking, perhaps writing a good learning objective is an algorithmic process. For example the data might be all of the manuals, lesson plans and games that have been developed over the course of several years running our programs. We develop a training based on this data, and create learning objectives; these are our definitions of success.


I also realized that the development of a branching scenario for an eLearning course would be an example of how an algorithm is used in instructional design. The learner is presented with a scenario. They are then faced with a series of choices to make. Each choice is developed based on data from prior occurrences. Some choices may cross paths and various points, and ultimately there is one definition of success or desired outcome at the end of the scenario. While I haven’t had much experience with developing branching scenarios, I learned about how to develop them in one of my previous courses with Cathy Moore’s “Connect with Haji Kamal” as a superior example of how this can be executed. To see the branching scenario in action, click here.


This led me to further explore how algorithms impact instructional design, teaching and learning. While many of the scholarly articles I initially found were published in the 70s and 80s, it was also a good reminder that algorithms are not a new concept, and that they have simple become more complex and capable as technology has evolved. From this, I stumbled upon this article from eLearning Industry magazine about eLearning automation, and algorithms being at the core of this automation; from the way the content is displayed, to how the assessments are automatically generated and evaluated within the system, and the learning path as automatically adjusted based on responses.


This is when I had my big “aha” moment; the courses I create in Storyline are the outcome of a series of algorithms; whether I use the content library, or set-up the triggers, states and variables myself. The authoring software has all of these algorithms embedded into the program so that I can create the scenarios and learning path without needed the coding skills. Who knew?


I will certainly have a new perspective on the algorithmic components of the course next time I’m working on a new eLearning project.

 
 
 

Comments


©2019 by Sydney Hamilton for LHA1195

bottom of page