Evidence of Collaboration in the Field
Artifact One: Reflection on Collaboration for Usability Testing
Description: After collaborating with classmates in IT 521 to conduct usability testing on a web development tool, my group analyzed and reported on the findings. I wrote this reflection on what I had learned about collaboration from working with others on the project.
Rationale for Inclusion: This artifact demonstrates my thoughts on collaboration early in my studies, lessons learned from my first collaboration with classmates, and strategies for improvement on future projects. I learned that sometimes active listening was not enough. At times, I needed to offer suggestions when others did not feel comfortable voicing their ideas. After they had time to process the input, they offered alternatives. With active listening and encouragement to others to express themselves, the project benefits because each member is able to contribute according to their strengths and expertise. Only when each member had expressed their ideas could we begin to negotiate the plan for testing, the roles we would assume, and the deadlines to be set. Negotiation of our expectations for the project and for each other yielded positive results. The reflection aligns with AECT standards by highlighting my dedication to being a collaborative designer and a reflective practitioner.
AECT Standards:
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Standard 4- Professional Knowledge and Skills
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Collaborative Practice
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Reflection on Practice
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Artifact Two: Rumie Meme Guide Collaboration
Description: I worked with a team that included two professional instructional designers and a very talented, 16-year-old subject matter expert to create this job aid for Rumie learning designers. Rumie had started using memes and gifs in microlearning modules to appeal to a younger age group in an attempt to redirect time spent on social media to time spent learning soft skills in small chunks. Many learning designers were struggling to identify the correct use of memes. My team volunteered for this project and delivered an effective beginner's guide to meme use.
Rationale for Inclusion: I collaborated with a diverse group on this project outside of the classroom setting. Each of us brought our strengths to the project. We had diverse backgrounds which strengthened the project outcome. Since we all had busy schedules, we used Slack to communicate and Asana to manage our tasks. My team determined a format, determined the best memes to include based on access, popularity, and suitability. We researched the memes, generated appropriate examples, drafted each slide, and edited the guide. We went through several iterations, and the result exceeded expectations. The artifact aligns with AECT standards because it evidences my commitment to collaborative practice and the outcomes produced by a strong team of dedicated collaborators.
AECT Standards:
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Standard 4- Professional Knowledge and Skills
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Collaborative Practice
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Reflection on Practice
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Collaboration Acknowledgement: This Meme Guide was created in collaboration with Tyler Whitaker, Victor Vannara, and Paul Borkowski for The Rumie Initiative.