Ariel Myers Final Paper CEP-817 A Train Ride to Manhattan

In the aspiring world of Educational Technology, Ariel Myers, a 22 year-old educator, was given a challenge in return for the job of her dreams. On a hot summer day at the end of July, Ariel got a call back for a second interview at one of the best schools on Long Island. The superintendent of John Glenn High School, Dr. Matthew Davis, was searching for an Educational Technologist that could help create online courses for the school and assist with technology integration in the curriculum. During Ariels second interview, Dr. Davis stated, I would like you to design an online course with four weeks worth of content to learn. The material within the course must be designed in a way that will enhance student learning and understanding. You must recognize the importance of design in this course, as it is an important factor in this task and to our district. Make sure your big idea is clean, inviting and organized. You will have one week to complete this task. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Although she was very grateful for the opportunity, Ariel was a bit nervous as to how to begin the process of designing her course for her third and final interview. She was confident with her content and technology knowledge, but she wasnt as familiar with the importance of design. With that being said, Ariel knew she had to go see the Wizard of Design, also known as Wizard McCloud. Wizard McCloud is not actually a Wizard, but it is just a name to justify his brilliance in design. Wizard McCloud is known for creating six simple steps on the process of artistic creation. While his six steps

showcased the creation of comics, it ultimately works for any design process. Ariel knew that these six steps were her key to designing a successful course to achieve the job of her dreams, she just needed to travel to Manhattan so that Wizard McCloud could enlighten her. Ariel envisioned her course design and knew exactly what she wanted. Although she was a Spanish Education major, Ariel pursued her M.A. in Educational Technology. In her spare time, she wrote for an Educational IT blog and studied computer programming. She wanted to create something different, something keen and engaging. Ariel thought that with the extensive use of mobile application use within our society, that exploring the world of mobile applications would be useful to learn and would be a great way to connect with students. She would focus her course on three major topics: The History of Mobile Applications, Mobile Application Developer Software and Marketing Strategies for Mobile Applications. The final culminating project will allow students to create their own mobile application with their own logo, developer software and marketing strategies. This project will give students the opportunity to be creative, expressive and have fun with the course. While Ariel was really excited about her idea, she knew that there was much more to learn. Little did she know that most her learning would take place on the train ride to Manhattan. The next day Ariel paid $24 for a round-trip ticket to Penn Station. She brought with her a pop tart, a water bottle and a binder titled Technology by Design, that was filled with her brainstorming ideas for this task. As she walked onto the train, she anxiously chose to sit in a two-seater spot by the window. Shortly after, a man got on

and sat in the seat next to her. Ariel thought this was strange, as there were many seats open however, she continued to gaze out the window. The man noticed the Technology by Design, binder that Ariel had brought with her. He tapped her on the shoulder and said, Are you interested in Technology by Design? I noticed the title labeled on your binder. Ariel was a bit startled but then replied, Yes, I am . I am actually heading into Manhattan to see Wizard McCloud. The Wizard of Design eh? We go way back. You see, Scott McCloud and I used to be old friends until we had some different perspectives relating to his overall six steps of glory, said the man as he rolled his eyes that were clearly full of sarcasm. Some may say that our opinions overlap, but some would also say that we have completely different views. I am just apathetic about it so I work with him occasionally. Oh wow, what is your name? asked Ariel My name is Keith Sawyer, I am an educator of psychology, education, business and a scientist of design and creativity. While I do recognize the importance of form in McClouds six steps, I do believe that when designing anything in an educational settings, improvisation and creativity is essential. These two things can be planned and can be used in design. Ariel looked at Sawyer and said, You really do seem to know your stuff. My name is Ariel Myers by the way. I am actually heading to the city because I have a week to design a four-week online course for John Glenn High School. If I do well, I will be offered a job as their Educational Technologist, which is actually my dream job. Is there

any suggestions you could give me that would help me design my site? Sawyer explained to Ariel that creative teaching is improvisational. He suggested that Ariel take into consideration the creative approach to teaching her content. While she does not need to have a script per se, it would be convenient to have ideas planned out before teaching. Sawyer stated the importance of collaboration between students and teachers. He noted that while following school curriculum is important, but creative improvisation allows teachers and students to explore new and engaging experiences together. Ariel thought long and hard about the advice Sawyer gave her and how she could apply it to her own big idea. As the train came to a jolting stop, Sawyer stood up and said, Well, this is my stop. It was really nice meeting you Ariel. Please let McCloud know I said hello. Best of luck to you. Thanks Keith, I appreciate all your help. I will let him know I met you, said Ariel, as she slowly waved good-bye. As Ariel gazed out the window, she thought about the hour left she had on the train and all the questions she had in mind for Wizard McCloud. She also thought about the advice she received from Sawyer and thought how interesting it was that he worked with Wizard McCloud. As she was peering through her brainstorm binder and writing things down, she noticed in the corner of her eye, a man with a hat staring at her. She peaked up at the man, as he was sitting slouched diagonally across from her, and he quickly looked away. Ariel went back to brainstorming as she quickly noticed him staring again.

Like the paranoid person she is, Ariel yelled, Can I help you? The man jumped, as he was unexpectedly called out and responded, I am so sorry Miss. I just couldnt help but notice the title on your binder. Ariel sat and pondered for a minute, as she thought it was strange that this was the second person to confront her about the title of her binder. She said, Do you know a Keith Sawyer? Keith Sawyer? Sounds familiar, but I do not. I was just curious if you were into design? Yes, I am, said Ariel as she continued to brainstorm her thoughts. Well, if you need help, I could suggest a few pointers. What are you designing dear? said the man. Really? questioned Ariel, What is your name? My name is Patrick Lynch and I know a few things about the fundamentals of web design. Im not sure if it is a website that you are designing, but Id be happy to help if it is. I need to design a fabricated four week online course for my final interview w ith a school district. If I design it well, I will be offered a job as an Educational Technologist at John Glenn High School. I have worked so hard to get this close to my dream job and I do not want to blow it. That is why I am going to see the Wizard of Design, said Ariel. Ah, Wizard McCloud, said Lynch. You know him? replied Ariel. Anyone who knows design, knows Wizard McCloud, especially if you like comics. A four-week course? That sounds intense but I can definitely share with you

some of what I know. What is your name? said Lynch. My name is Ariel. Nice to meet you Ariel, smiled Lynch, Let me give you a few pointers. Lynch whipped out a book he was carrying in his back pocket, The Chicago Manual of Style. He open up the book and broke down the different parts for Ariel, explaining different factors and how they were important in web design. They both talked about web layouts, structure and organization. Lynch also shared with Ariel the benefits of website effectiveness, functionality and maintenance. Ariel was really happy that she met Patrick Lynch. She envisioned the structure of her website and how she could make it easy to navigate by breaking up each page into main topics. Ariel talked to Lynch about the ideas she had for her site and he was really impressed. Your content is really different, very unique and very appropriate for whats going on today, said Lynch. Thanks, replied Ariel as the train came once again, to a jolting stop. Well this is me, said Lynch, as he grabbed his book, put it in his pocket and stood up to approach the opening train doors. It was really nice to meet you Ariel, good luck with your course design. It was really nice to meet you to Patrick, thank you so much for all your advice. It is really going to come in handy when I begin creating my course site. Have a good day, voiced Ariel, as she watched him get off the train. She could not believe that she was approached by two brilliant men who knew the Wizard of Design himself and were able to provide her with some of the best design advice she has ever gotten(besides the

advice she got in that great MAET course CEP-817). She was so excited that she had to call her mom and tell her about it. Ariel spent the last half hour of her train ride telling her mom about her great ideas for her course. She told her about both Sawyer and Lynch, and how fortunate she was to meet both men. As the train was approaching Penn Station, Ariel told her mother that she was about to arrive so she needed to get off the phone. She said goodbye to her mother and stood up to approach the train doors as the train was entering Penn Station. As she was waiting for the door to open, Ariel was tapped on the shoulder. She turned around to find an older man that looked at her and s aid, Hi, my name is Saul Carliner. I know this is a bit strange but I overheard the conversation you were having on the phone. I didnt mean to eavesdrop but I was sitting directly in the seat behind you and I was really intrigued by your design ideas for your site. You seemed really appreciative and excited about other peoples suggestions, so I thought I could share with you some of my own ideas. Ariel was dumbfounded that yet again, another man whom was interested in design approached her. She began to think that this was a joke. Is this for real? she said to the man. Is what for real? replied Carliner. You? You are the third person to come up to me and offer help regarding design and I just dont understand. Carliner looked really confused and said, Look, this is for real and I am just trying to help. I thought youd appreciate my insight. If you dont want any suggestions, thats fine. He then began to walk away.

Ariel was embarrassed that she came off a bit rude, she ran after him and shouted, Wait! Im sorry, I would appreciate anything you have to offer. Would you be able to walk with me to the subway? Carliner smiled and replied, Of course. Carliner explained to Ariel his idea of the three-part framework for information design. He talked about how Ariels design must be strong on a cognitive level, a physical level and affective level. They discussed how all of these levels are crucial in order to provide users with the best experience they can possibly have. Ariel gave Carliner some examples of ideas she had and they worked together to brainstorm a few things that would really make her site accessible and presentable. In this case, presentation of information and user understanding was the most important thing. Once Ariel got to the subway, the two parted ways. Ariel said goodbye to Carliner with much appreciation. She could not believe how many people she met so far today that had gave her advice on her task. Even though she was slightly creeped out, she thought it was cool that she was able to learn from multiple people that had different perspectives. Ariel began to ponder and daydream about her successful design of a course site and how much Dr. Davis would like it. She wondered about Wizard McCloud and what he was like and how much hed be able to help her. The entire subway ride Ariel thought about the three men and how she could use their advice to create her big idea. Upon arriving at the office of Wizard McCloud, Ariel was nervous but eager to meet with him. His office was located on the 64th floor of the Empire State Building. The office was decorated with many comic pictures and pieces of creative arts. It was very

modern but inspiringly beautiful at the same time. After eighteen minutes of waiting, Wizard McCloud stepped out in a grey V-neck, washed out jeans and flip-flops. Ariel was trying to understand how someone so important, wasnt dressed in a suit, but at that point it didnt matter. Ariel Myers? said the Wizard of Design. Ariel stood up and walked his way as he opened his door and invited her into his office. Good Afternoon Ms. Myers, what brings you in today? asked Wizard McCloud. Hello Wizard McCloud, I am here to find out your secret steps to design. I need help in designing an online course for a job opportunity. The course must be four weeks long and I have to pay important attention to design since it is of great importance to the school district. I was hoping you could share with me your six-step process so that I can work on using it for my task. Wizard McCloud was honored. He replied, I would love to help you. Let me start with the first step: your idea. Ariel opened up her binder and began to take notes. Wizard McCloud explained his six steps, these being: Idea, Form, Idiom, Structure, Craft and Surface. As he continued to provide Ariel with examples and advice, she was thinking of what each step represented for her. Her idea was a four week online course, the form was an online website and the idiom was mobile applications. She realized that the next three steps would take place as she began creating her site.

Upon finishing up their discussion, Wizard McCloud said, The next thing I want you to understand is really important so make sure to write it down. Ariel prepared to write as Wizard McCloud stressed the following, You will use this process for almost everything you create. This statement was bold and really made Ariel think about the certainty of that. She did believe Wizard McClouds steps were practical but she wasnt sure she could apply them to daily things. Ariel left the office thanking Wizard McCloud over and over again for all he has taught her. It had been a long day and she was really excited to get home and apply her ideas. The next few days, Ariel spent designing her course. She worked through the next step of structure. She created the foundation of her online course and continued to add things, remove things and improvise. After working on steps 5 and 6(craft and surface), she had a few peers run through her course to make suggestions on the design and overall presentation of the course. This would ultimately lead her back to step 4(structure) to improvise some more. One of the most important things that Ariel learned on her trip to Manhattan was what Carliner taught her. He basically said that the user experience and understanding meant everything because the user is the one who judges the overall success of the design. Ariel was really glad that she was able to receive feedback from her peers about her course design. She received praise for things she did well and suggestions for things so could do better. She liked being able to get different views and perspectives about how to best design her course, especially since every user is unique. While Ariel did not change every suggestion, she changed the most common concerns

and hoped for the best. When it was time for her final interview, Ariel wrote a presentation that she would give to Dr. Davis while demonstrating her online course. She gleamed at her note cards, the department directors, the school colors on the wall and realized that design is everywhere. Wizard McCloud was right, the process can be used for everything we create. She smiled inside and then began her presentation. Over the past week, I had the opportunity to meet with many individuals, including my own peers, that have taught me so much about design. Through this task, Ive learned that design is a creative process that requires patience, improvising, more improvising and a splash of fun. I found that I quickly learned the importance of feedback and the benefits of having different perspectives. I was able to create an online course that was appealing both physically, cognitively and affectively. Physically, I organized my website by chapter/topic in order to best communicate the goals and objectives of the content. I also created separate pages for syllabus, grades, discussion and a Q&A page. I also made sure that the font and colors were both appropriate and legible. I think by organizing my website this way, it will help the students find certain topics easier and quicker. Cognitively, I used multiple means of representation such as, lectures, multimedia presentations, videos, diagrams, etc. By providing students with multiple means of representation, I can accommodate different learning styles and enhance student understanding. Affectively, I have chose to create a course on Exploring Mobile Applications, which is something that is very popular in todays society. By having students learn about the mobile application process and then have them

create their own application for a culminating project, it allows them to express their own ideas and be creative. This topic also help to build a connection with the student and intrinsically motivate them. After Ariel went into depth about her web design, she received oos and ahs from the interviewing committee. She was very happy with her presentation but it wasnt over, it was time for her to finish strong. Ariel took a deep breath, a she was about to bust out her conclusion. As an Educational Technologist, I have discovered that McClouds six steps is a process that is used on a daily basis to create anything. Its a matter of taking an idea, making it something meaningful, testing it out, making it better and then repeating the process. If you really think about it, we do this with almost everything, especially in education. For an example, this online course can be piloted and changed, piloted and changed and even piloted and changed for a third time. Curriculum design is another example, where we are annually modifying it. As an Educational Technologist, I also recognized the importance of usability and authorship. Wizard McClouds fourth step of structure, can sometimes ultimately lead us to take a pre-existing idea and make it our own. We do this often as educators with lesson plans, activities and even new things that other districts implement. Although we use pre-existing ideas, we still make them our own by creating a new finished product. However, it is always important to acknowledge the original. As I wrap up this presentation, I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to discover myself not only as an Educational Technologist but also as a designer. I was able to learn a lot about myself and a lot about the importance of design

through this task. Design is crucial in education because it is good design that enhances student learning and understanding. Good design creates a successful user experience which leads to success of the learn, the designer and their creation as well. Every detail matters, down to the colors, fonts and navigation of my site, it all has relevance. Design is something that all educators should be familiar with because it will not only help to create a four week online course, but it will also open their minds to their own instructional methods and how they can improve them. The interview committee applaud Ariel as she smiled and shook the nerves off. Dr. Davis approached her and said, You truly understand the impo rtance of design, not only in the educational aspect, but in our daily lives as well. We would love to have you as a part of our school. We were also wondering, what is your secret? Ariel, so grateful, jumping with joy responded, A train ride to Manhattan.