Dr. Ian M Cowley MEd ePortfolio
2. Instructional Design & Development
1. Problem Solving, Analysis, & Decision Making
These competencies involve providing creative solutions to emerging problems in the field of Distance Education now and in the future.
1.1. Recognize problems.
1.2. Define the aspects of problems.
1.3. Formulate questions.
1.4. Find and access information.
1.5. Critically evaluate the relevance of information for a given situation.
1.6. Compare alternatives using critical analysis.
1.7. Make reasoned arguments using critical reflection, leading to rational solutions.
1.8. Justify these solutions.
1.9. Present them to others.
1.10. Recognize the wider implications of specific knowledge.
1.11. Adapt solutions to suit varied situations.
These competencies involve applying instructional design models, concepts, and skills to solve instructional problems in Distance Education.
2.1. Critically analyze/discuss implications of personal perspectives and epistemological orientations for the teaching-learning process.
2.2. Appropriately apply systems theory and systems analysis techniques to instructional design situations in distance education.
2.3. Describe and apply a range of learning and motivational theories to instructional design situations in distanc education.
2.4. Describe activities of the instructional design process and advantages/disadvantages of using them in distance education contexts.
2.5. Develop instructional products or learning objects in distance education.
2.6. Critically analyze/discuss common criticisms/controversies relating to traditional and emerging ID models in distance education.
2.7. Apply instructional design principles and models in distance education, in your workplace, or in other instructional contexts.
4. Communication & Interpersonal Skills
3. Communication Technologies & Networking
MEd (DE) Program Competencies
This ePortfolio demonstrates my acquisition of the stated core competencies of Athabasa University's MEd (DE) program.
The five artefacts included in this portfolio have been selected as the best representation of a maximum number of these competencies. Referencing these learning outcomes has allowed me to synthesize and critically reflect on my professional and personal growth during my three years in the MDDE program.
5. Research
6. Management, Organization & Leadership
These competencies involve applying effective research knowledge and skills in order to understand and analyze instructional contexts, problems and issues in Distance Education, its role in the broader educational context, and to synthesize and critically evaluate these.
5.1. Frame effective and meaningful research questions.
5.2. Identify, discuss and apply theoretical considerations to proposed research.
5.3. Access and critically evaluate sources and content for quality, applicability and relevance.
5.4. Critically review literature both broadly and in-depth.
5.5. Formulate questions and reasoned arguments, leading to rational conclusions.
5.6. Summarize and synthesize information with a view to pursuing deeper understanding.
5.7. Effectively communicate information, arguments, & analyses, in distance education, to suit different contexts and audiences.
5.8. Critically analyze the issues and discuss the wider implications affecting the use of information.
5.9. Conduct effective interviews for research purposes.
5.10. Demonstrate the use of communications and other technology-based research tools.
5.11. Describe and adhere to ethical practices and institutional policies throughout the research process.
These competencies involve knowlege, understanding, and skills pertaining to the management and leadership of organizations with regard to Distance Education considerations.
6.1. Analyze the current and future climate of the distance education industry, and formulate strategies to respond to that climate.
6.2. Describe and analyze the business and administrative functions in distance education organizations and critically discuss how business decisions affect financial and non-financial work results.
6.3. Make considered recommendations regarding the selection of appropriate learning technologies and assure that these selections meet organizational needs.
6.4. Outline and critically compare the relative costs of appropriate technology-based communications methods in distance education and ensure that the organization is receiving a good return on investment.
6.5. Manage workload, other commitments, and information needs within time and structural constraints (in both personal and team management situations).
These competencies involve the critical analysis and the appropriate application of communications technologies and networking in Distance Education. These technologies might include: asynchronous technologies, synchronous technologies, social software, "push" technologies, mobile technologies, and computer-assisted instruction.
3.1. Use a variety of communication and document-sharing tools to create, reflect, and communicate with others.
3.2. Analyze and evaluate the various applications and implications of these technologies.
3.3. Justify the applications of these technologies in real-life contexts on the basis of theory and research.
3.4. Compare and evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of these technologies in various distance education contexts.
3.5. Apply these technologies in distance education and in real-life instructional contexts.
These competencies involve demonstrating your ability to communicate, interact, and collaborate effectively and appropriately in various contexts.
4.1. Write clearly and in a style appropriate to purpose (e.g. assignments, essays, published documents, and theses).
4.2. Construct arguments and articulate ideas clearly to a range of audiences, formally/informally, via a variety of techniques and media.
4.3. Justify and defend your ideas orally and in writing in meetings, forums, seminars, exams and other contexts.
4.4. Support the learning of others when involved in teaching, mentoring, moderating, collaboration or demonstration activities.
4.5. Participate and contribute effectively in collaborative group activities.
4.6. Demonstrate effective design, delivery and critical evaluation of presentations, computer conferences, or seminars.
4.7. Work cooperatively with diverse groups and individuals both within the university and/or in the workplace.
4.8. Organize, and convey your ideas effectively through a range of communication skills and work collaboratively and in teams.
Competency descriptions retrieved from Athabasca University MEd (DE) Program Competencies.
© 2015 by Ian Cowley