The final project in the EDCI 531 Learning Theory and Instructional Design course represented a chance to apply what I had learned in the course to my professional work in instructional design. This challenge, “Explain key concepts and principles related to instructional design,” is demonstrated by the job aid and accompanying paper I created, “A Theoretical Foundation: Determining Corporate Learning and Development Strategies.” The job aid guides the user through selecting the appropriate theoretically-based instructional concepts and strategies for the project, based on the learners’ entry skills/knowledge, the number of learners in the cohort, and the complexity of the learning content. Each of the six learning theories explored in the class is included in the job aid and paper, according to how each approaches the aforementioned factors.

Especially in a corporate learning and development environment, a sound theoretical foundation is critical when choosing instructional concepts and strategies. In a professional corporate setting, for many employees, learning is a component of their job, not their job itself, requiring the instruction to be delivered in powerful and efficient way. The job aid and accompanying paper I created seek to provide a quick resource for those engaged in the corporate learning and development space (in particular, in the delivery of home healthcare services). Additionally, because this assignment was part of an instructional design curriculum, I would be remiss in acknowledging that the visual, textual, and design elements were not an important consideration in this project. The paper and job aid contain coordinating colors for easy pairing, as well as suitable white space in the job aid so that the user is not overwhelmed. Directions are included on the job aid, but the overall design feels intuitive.

This project combined two passions of mine: writing and the creation of job aids. I enjoy creating layouts that are engaging and pleasing to look at. My professional experience has given me some perspective on creating job aids and how to maintain brevity in confined spaces. I imagine this job aid and paper being referenced as I continue working professionally, as it provides a quick glance at sound theory-based strategies based on the audience, entry skills, and content. This type of resource would be been quite valuable earlier in my career. Although, in truth, prior to this stage of my career and education, I am not sure I would have had the perspective to appreciate the nuances between some of the strategies and theories and why one might be selected over another.

The job aid and paper, “A Theoretical Foundation: Determining Corporate Learning and Development Strategies,” showcases the key concepts and principles, not just in instructional design, but in six different theoretical approaches to instructional design and human learning. Because my life’s work is learning, my intention is to build on the idea of creating for myself a library of quick reference materials that I can use to efficiently deliver projects, ideas, feedback, etc. This paper is a solid foundation, but it is only the beginning.