Module Development

AI for Education and Training

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers several graduate programs for educators and education leaders. During my time as a student in one of these programs, Artificial Intelligence (AI) wasn't part of the UMGC curriculum, despite its widespread adoption by educators and learners. To bridge this gap, UMGC engaged me to create a graduate-level module on AI in education.

About the Project
  • Task
    Design and develop an online module
  • Team
    An individual project
  • Audience
    Students in the UMGC Education and Teaching graduate programs
  • My Role
    Instructional designer and content developer
  • Client
    University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
  • ID Approach
    Design Thinking for Educators, Understanding by Design, ADDIE
Why the Project?
  • For my final project in the Learning Design and Technology graduate program, I needed to collaborate with a real client to design and develop an online module. I was very fortunate to work with Dr. Brandie Shatto, Program Director at UMGC, on creating a module titled "Artificial Intelligence for Education and Training."
Analysis
  • Project Goal
    UMGC needed to introduce students in its three education-focused graduate programs to the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning. To meet this need, I designed and developed a prototype of an online, asynchronous, instructor-facilitated module.
  • Future Learners
    The module content needed to be relevant to students working in various educational settings, from PreK-12 to higher education, corporate L&D, and non-profit training programs. Module assignments needed to be achievable by students with diverse backgrounds and varying technology abilities.
  • Learning Objectives
    After completing the module, students needed to:
    - Understand why AI technologies are valuable in teaching and learning.
    - Evaluate ethical issues surrounding AI.
    - Apply AI-based tools in their work.
Design
  • Module Structure
    Since the module needed to fit into existing programs, I used a typical UMGC module structure but with constructivist titles to indicate the module's value.
  • Assessments
    I designed the assignments to allow students to research current and relevant AI tools at a scale and complexity level they were comfortable with.
  • Learner Support
    I included examples and usage ideas for AI tools, such as ways in which students and educators could use AI, as well as specific AI tools worth exploring.
  • Content Formats
    I aimed for a balance between consistency with existing UMGC modules and new learning experiences, particularly since the client was open to new ideas.
Design
Module Structure
Since the module needed to fit into existing programs, I used a typical UMGC module structure but with constructivist titles to indicate the module's value.
Assessments
I designed the assignments to allow students to research current and relevant AI tools at a scale and complexity level they were comfortable with.

Learner Support
I included examples and usage ideas for AI tools, such as ways in which students and educators could use AI, as well as specific AI tools worth exploring.
Content Formats
I aimed for a balance between consistency with existing UMGC modules and new learning experiences, particularly since the client was open to new ideas.
Development
What's a module about AI without the use of AI?
Text
I used ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas and tweak the module content I wrote.

Images
I used images created by DALL-E, an Open AI tool, DrawIt, an AI-based sketch-to-image app, and Stable Diffusion, a generative AI service.
Video
I created the following videos with HeyGen, an AI-based app, where I tried different presentation styles and avatars.
Implementation
I built the module using a trial account of Articulate Rise, but since the trial ended, I no longer have access to it. However, you can still check out the complete module in PDF format. While it doesn't offer the same interactivity as the Rise version, it will give you a sense of the final product.
View PDF
Result Evaluation
Before finalizing the module, I tested the prototype with 10 volunteers who had relevant backgrounds, including UMGC students. I gathered over 20 improvement ideas from their feedback, but overall, the module received very positive reviews.
  • K12 Teacher
    This is a very timely module and could be very helpful to both teachers and students.
  • Instructional Designer
    I really enjoyed the content and activities. Looking forward to seeing the final product - especially the section on use cases for IDs.
  • Higher Education Leader
    The content of this course is so interesting and topical. I found the last lesson especially interesting.
Result Evaluation
Before finalizing the module, I tested the prototype with 10 volunteers who had relevant backgrounds, including UMGC students. I gathered over 20 improvement ideas from their feedback, but overall, the module received very positive reviews.
K12 Teacher
This is a very timely module and could be very helpful to both teachers and students.
K12 Teacher
This is a very timely module and could be very helpful to both teachers and students.
Instructional Designer
I really enjoyed the content and activities. Looking forward to seeing the final product - especially the section on use cases for IDs.
Higher Education Leader
The content of this course is so interesting and topical. I found the last lesson especially interesting.
Client Feedback
I put a lot of time and effort into this project, so receiving positive feedback from the client was incredibly gratifying.
I have to tell you that this module is FANTASTIC! I also asked our full-time faculty member to review it. We were incredibly impressed with both the content and the design. If we were hiring and you were a candidate, you'd get the job on the spot!

I love the way that you integrated AI into the design with the AI generated voice, images, and other elements. Such powerful examples. With your permission, we'd love to use this in our courses (giving you credit of course).

When we first met, I had no idea what I was really looking for, but what you have developed fits what we needed so very well.

Kudos on a job well done!
Dr. Brandie Shatto
Professor and Program Director, Educational Technology
University of Maryland Global Campus
Project Reflection

As an AI enthusiast, I couldn't have asked for a better capstone project. It was a perfect cherry on top of my graduate studies "cake." Time constraints were my main challenge, and with more time, I could have made it even better. I hope to revisit this topic in the future and plan to use the AI tools I've researched in my future work.

What's Next?
I invite you to explore other projects I've worked on or contact me to discuss your e-learning idea.
View projects
Contact Elena
Photos: Igor Omilaev, DALL-E, DrawIt, Stable Diffusion, Theo Sunardjaya