An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD)

In Orientation to the Profession, you’ll be introduced to the “big ideas” of LXD. Begin with the essential aspects of the design process, from ideation to evaluation. During this section, you’ll also take a brief look at learning theories and design frameworks that help LXDs move from an initial concept to a completed course. Examine the instructional triangle to identify productive interactions in support of learning, and understand how technology can be used throughout the design process and by learners during the course. Gain insight into the foundational ideas of inclusive design and study principles of Universal Design for Learning. Finally, you’ll hear from several learning professionals, as you situate yourself in the field and start to map your own career path. This course will include an immersive activity where you can experience what it is like to join a project team as a new learning experience designer. By participating in this orientation, you’ll gain an appreciation for the creativity and complexity of the profession, and be well-positioned to continue on in the series.

In Theories and Frameworks, you’ll take a close look at learners and learning contexts. As you define your target audience, you’ll learn how to use learner personas as a communication tool with stakeholders and how these can be used to influence learning goals, assessments, and activities. Explore theories of learning and motivation that inform design. You’ll be introduced to learning taxonomies for defining learning outcomes, such as Bloom’s taxonomy and Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning. You’ll take a closer look at design frameworks, such as Backward Design, Integrated Course Design, and the ADDIE model. Next, you’ll see examples of conceptual tools that can be used to support ideation, brainstorming, and course outlining. This course will include an immersive activity in which you’ll join learning experience design colleagues to develop, refine, and present project plans to stakeholders. By taking this course, you’ll gain experience mapping out a course design from start to finish and be well equipped to continue on in the series.

Development and Evaluation allows you to build on your knowledge of how people learn and use your understanding of learning design frameworks to bring your own learning designs to life! As you conceptualize assessment as a communication tool, you’ll consider the role of diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments. Look at different assessment formats and how learners can use them to show what they know. Using ideas from cognitive science and multimedia theories, explore how to create engaging and effective content for learners. Most importantly, you’ll think about evaluation approaches to understand the efficacy of your designs for learning, including formative, summative, and confirmative. This course includes an immersive activity to give you a taste of what it is like to independently meet with and consult for project stakeholders. At the conclusion of the course and the series, you’ll turn your attention again to cultivating your identity as a learning experience designer and consider how you can showcase your skills through a learning experience design professional portfolio.