Road Less Traveled: Being a One Person Instructional Design Team

Concurrent Session 5

Brief Abstract

What happens when you are a one-person team? How do you manage the many tasks that come your way daily?  What kind of advice and tips that you want to share with others in similar positions?  Join the conversation to share your experiences and connect with others in similar roles.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Reginald Jackson, Northwestern University

Reginald Jackson is currently at Northwestern University as Director of Teaching Excellence for the Medill School of Journalism Integrated Marketing Communications and Lead Learning Engineer in Teaching & Learning Technologies. He is also a lecturer in the School of Professional Studies IDS Program teaching courses in Instructional Design, Introduction to Learning Theory and Learning Environment Design. While completing his Masters degree in Instructional Design from Roosevelt University, he became a corporate trainer then instructional designer in the banking industry. He then transitioned to higher education as an Academic Technology Analyst at University of Chicago after completing his doctorate in Adult Education. He teaches part-time in Roosevelt University's Training & Development Program.

Extended Abstract

As my role evolved from Learning Engineer to Director of Teaching Excellence, it has been  just me consulting, answering questions, developing new classes, and creating faculty development events. While sometimes chaotic, the balancing act to get things done and be present or “on” is an interesting dichotomy. Loving the challenge of being the “person” takes its toll while feeling accomplished at the same time.

This session opens the conversation to others who are living the daily existence as a one-person “jack of all trades”.  It invites those that are the only person to support a department or school to share and discuss what are the support avenues for someone in this role.

After having an open conversation, we will complete a shared document with best practices and areas of specialization for all to share and participants will walk away with ideas or practices that may want to incorporate in their daily work.