Reflection Statement

 Where I Started

Before starting the Learning Technologies & Design program at Mizzou, I already had experience in training, sales, and learning and development, but I knew I needed more. I wanted to take my skills to the next level. Go beyond just creating training and actually design learning that makes an impression. I was comfortable with tech but hadn’t fully explored how deep instructional design goes. I wanted to sharpen my approach, learn new tools, and get better at building effective, engaging learning experiences. This program seemed like the perfect fit, and looking back, it absolutely was.

I came in with a strong foundation in communication, business operations, and sales training. I had built onboarding programs, developed customer service and product knowledge training, and worked with LMS platforms. But I wanted to take my work to a more strategic level, understanding the science behind learning and applying structured methodologies. I also wanted to gain credibility in the field by backing up my experience with a formal education in instructional design. The LTD program gave me exactly that and more.

What I Learned

Everything Needs to Align

One of the biggest lessons I learned was how crucial it is to align content, activities, and assessments with learning objectives. It’s not just about making a course look good or throwing in interactive elements, it has to serve a purpose. I saw this come to life in the Bloomberg ISD project, where I used real learner data to develop training content, ensuring everything was tied to clear objectives. That project gave me a full-circle view of instructional design, from analysis to prototyping to evaluation. Later, I took it further in the rapid development course, building an actual module in Articulate. This lesson changed how I approach learning design. Now, I don’t create anything unless I know exactly how it connects to the goal.

This also extended to assessment design. I used to think quizzes and tests were enough, but this program taught me the importance of varied assessment strategies: performance-based tasks, scenario evaluations, and real-world applications. Good learning experiences have a logical flow, where everything works together cohesively and I now have a much deeper appreciation for that process.

You Can’t Skip the Research

It’s easy to jump straight into building something but this program reinforced that good learning design starts with solid analysis. Training needs assessments, usability studies, learner surveys, these all matter. I saw this firsthand in my prerequisite analysis flowchart, where I used Bloom’s Taxonomy to map out a CRM training for sales reps. It made me realize how important it is to break skills down step by step, from foundational knowledge to higher-level thinking. I also learned how to evaluate training properly, using real data to improve learning experiences rather than just relying on gut instinct.

Another key part of this was learning how to collect and analyze data effectively. Before this program, I had some experience with surveys and feedback, but I didn’t fully grasp how to use that data to inform design. Now, I understand how to use usability testing, workload analysis, interviews, and pilot groups to refine training programs. This has completely changed how I approach instructional design. Instead of guessing what works, I test and iterate, ensuring that learning experiences are not only engaging but also effective.

Tech is a Game Changer

This program pushed me to explore new tech in ways I hadn’t before. I got hands on with eLearning tools like Articulate and Camtasia, but I also took it further, learning how to design interactive experiences with Twine, Construct 3, and even Blender for 3D development. My game design blog became a record of my learning game design journey through different software and approaches. Whether it was multimedia theory, UI/UX design, or creating immersive learning, I realized that technology isn’t just a tool, it shapes how people learn. This program gave me the confidence to push boundaries and experiment with new ways of engaging learners.

One of the most exciting parts was understanding how game design principles apply to learning. Through gamification, interactive storytelling, and simulation-based learning, I learned how engagement and empathy drive retention. I learned how to apply Mayer’s Multimedia Principles to ensure that visuals, audio, and text work together in a meaningful way. I also gained experience in accessibility and usability, making sure that learning content is inclusive and effective for diverse learners.

Beyond software, I also became more skilled at project management in instructional design. Working on complex projects required me to manage timelines, collaborate with stakeholders, and make data-driven decisions. These skills are just as important as the technical ones, and I feel far more prepared to take on leadership roles in the field now.

Where I’m Headed

This degree has changed the way I think about learning and development. I don’t just build training anymore. I design learning experiences that are backed by research, aligned with objectives, and constantly improved based on real data. I’ve gained the technical skills to create high-quality eLearning, and I’ve developed a mindset that combines creativity with strategy. Moving forward, I see myself leading learning initiatives, coming up with fresh perspectives, and using technology to make real quality learning solutions. This program didn’t just give me knowledge, it gave me the tools and confidence to keep growing and pushing forward.

I plan to take everything I’ve learned and apply it in a leadership capacity. I hope to either be leading a team of instructional designers, consulting on large scale training projects, or building learning ecosystems within organizations. I now have the foundation to do so. I also want to continue exploring emerging tech in learning, from AI-driven adaptive learning to VR and AR applications in training. The field is evolving, and I’m excited to be part of that evolution.

Another final takeaway is the importance of lifelong learning. This degree isn’t the end. It’s a stepping stone. I plan to stay connected with the instructional design community, attend conferences, and keep refining my skills. The LTD program at Mizzou has set me up for success, and I’m grateful for the experiences, challenges, and knowledge I’ve gained along the way.