Teacher training hub
The project entailed the development of an innovative online learning hub for the ACT Education Directorate, specifically designed to support the continuous professional development of existing teachers. Through meticulous customisation of the Moodle platform and implementation of leading-edge instructional design methodologies, the aim was to create an intuitive and engaging platform.
This initiative aimed to empower educators by providing them with access to high-quality learning resources and training sessions facilitated by industry-standard software. Ultimately, the project sought to revolutionise the ACT educational landscape by fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional growth among local teachers..
Client: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Education Directorate.
My responsibilities: User experience (UX) design and analysis (including user testing and refinement cycles), leading the custom installation and customisation of Moodle, establishing and managing a project workflow for a small but diverse team and evaluating existing technologies.
Tools used: Moodle, Visual Studio Code, Miro, Jiro and SharePoint.
Duration: Four months.
Summary
The challenge
Navigating the landscape of professional development in education, particularly within the ACT Education Directorate, posed a significant challenge. The need for a comprehensive online learning hub tailored to the evolving needs of existing teachers was apparent. With a limited timeframe and diverse requirements, the task demanded a meticulous approach to design, implementation, and user engagement.
The solution
In response to the challenge, I spearheaded the development of an innovative online learning platform, specifically crafted to address the professional development needs of educators within the Directorate. Leveraging a combination of user-experience design methodologies and instructional design tools, I meticulously crafted an intuitive interface and robust site structure. This solution aimed to streamline navigation and accessibility, ensuring educators could readily access valuable resources and courses to support their continuous learning journey.
Sample of screenshots
My process
Example course catalogue wireframe
A pivotal aspect of my approach involved wireframe development, testing, and iteration. Through comprehensive user testing and refinement cycles, I iteratively honed the platform's design, functionality, and user experience. This iterative process allowed me to gather valuable insights from educators, enabling me to tailor the platform to their specific needs and preferences effectively. The result was an online learning hub that not only met but exceeded user expectations, fostering engagement and facilitating meaningful professional development experiences.
Project and team planning draft
To ensure seamless collaboration and productivity, I designed and implemented a project workflow tailored to our team. This workflow incorporated agile principles, enabling us to adapt quickly to changing requirements and priorities while maintaining a steady pace of progress. By delineating clear roles, responsibilities, and communication channels, we fostered a collaborative environment conducive to innovation and success. Our cohesive teamwork and efficient workflow were instrumental in overcoming challenges and delivering a high-quality online learning platform within the stipulated timeframe.
Project and team planning draft
Following the launch of the learning platform and initial courses, we conducted a detailed retrospective team activity. This exercise provided an invaluable opportunity to gather feedback, reflect on our collective experiences, and identify areas for improvement.
Leveraging insights from educators and internal stakeholders, we refined our business processes and productivity strategies, paving the way for continued success and ongoing enhancement of the online learning hub.
The retrospective team activity underscored our commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration, ensuring the sustained effectiveness and relevance of the platform in supporting educator development within the Directorate.
Reflections and learnings
Embracing Agile Methodologies
Throughout the project, I gained a profound appreciation for the efficacy of agile methodologies in navigating complex and time-sensitive endeavours. By adopting an agile approach, our team was able to remain responsive to evolving requirements and effectively manage changing priorities. The iterative nature of agile allowed us to break down the project into manageable increments, enabling continuous improvement and adaptation. Embracing agile principles not only enhanced our productivity and collaboration but also fostered a culture of innovation and resilience. Moving forward, I recognise the value of agile methodologies in facilitating successful project outcomes.
Importance of User-Centric Design
One of the key insights gleaned from this project was the paramount importance of user-centric design in the development of educational platforms. Through rigorous user testing and refinement cycles, I gained invaluable insights into the needs, preferences, and challenges faced by educators within the ACT Education Directorate. This user-centric approach not only informed the design and functionality of the online learning hub but also fostered a sense of ownership and engagement among its users. Going forward, I am committed to prioritising user experience and feedback in all my design endeavours, recognising it as a fundamental driver of success and effectiveness in educational technology initiatives.
Value of Continuous Improvement
The project underscored the significance of continuous improvement in sustaining the relevance and impact of educational platforms. Through post-launch retrospectives and ongoing feedback mechanisms, we were able to identify areas for enhancement and refine our strategies accordingly. This commitment to continuous improvement not only enabled us to address immediate challenges but also positioned the online learning hub for long-term success and scalability. Embracing a culture of continuous improvement is essential in the ever-evolving landscape of education, allowing us to adapt to changing needs and leverage emerging technologies to enrich the learning experience for educators and students alike.