Who are you, and what do you like to learn about? (academically, professionally, and/or personally)

My name is Katrina Johnson and I serve as an instructional designer in the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning at George Mason University. I have designed and developed various types of online learning based on adult learning theory for 13 years. I have also supported full-time and part-time/adjunct faculty, graduate instructors, and teaching assistants across many departments and disciplines in the development of face-to-face, blended, and online courses utilizing various learning technologies. My experience includes providing teaching strategies to faculty teaching in online learning environments and conducting online course reviews. I collaborate with university partners in Information Technology Services such as instructional technologists, media specialists, librarians, assistive technology specialists, and learning management system administrators. I provide faculty professional development one-on-one, in small groups, and through presentations at orientations and conference sessions. As the instructional designer for two university programs, I assist with the design, development, and pilot phases of the program courses.

I have over 20 years of experience in the learning technologies industry which includes instructional design and development, videoconference training network management, and corporate training video production. My interest in instructional design and development began while designing interactive, multimedia training applications for the military, government, and private organizations. I also served as the coordinator and instructor for the Technology Assistants Program course (CHSS 490). I hold a master of arts in Telecommunications with a concentration in Educational Technology and a bachelor of arts in Communication with a concentration in Speech Communication and Digital Media from George Mason University where I am currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Design and Technology.

What hardware do you use to learn? (Eg. smart phone, tablet, laptop, desktop)

I use a smart phone and two laptops. One laptop has a desktop docking station for my office.

I’ve been using the Blackboard student mobile app to participate in class discussions and submit assignments.

What software do you use to learn? (Eg. search engines, mobile apps, social networks, eBooks, digital libraries, wikis, blogs, videos, podcasts)

I use search engines, mobile apps, social networks, eBooks, digital libraries, wikis, blogs, and videos. The one I use most is video tutorials on Linkedin Learning and YouTube. It helps me to watch and listen to the instructions and test myself with short quizzes. Sometimes I download the exercise files and design along with the instructor.

Also while driving, I listen to tutorials/books on eBooks and e-readers.

What digital tools do you wish you had access to for learning? (Eg. any graphic organizers, mind-mapping tools, resource management tools, progress tracking tools, design tools, etc.) Why?

I typically get access to the software tools I need through work or I will purchase it with a student/educator discount.

I think it would be helpful if all software providers provided a free or low cost option for students while they are taking at least one class.

What might your ideal Personal Learning Environment (PLE) look like?

My Personal Learning Environment would include:

Animation Tools:
Vyond

Course Tools:
Blackboard Learn
Respondus Monitor
Respondus Test Creator
Examity

Instructional Design Tools:
Captivate
Camtasia
Articulate Storyline
Articulate Review
adult learning theory
agile instructional design
service design/human-centered experience design
storytelling
flipped classroom
active learning
simulations
gamification
Augmented Reality/Virtual Realty
classroom instruction/workshops
consultations
online courses
learning environments/learning management systems (LMS)
instructional materials
Kirkpatrick model

Project Management Tools:
Microsoft Project
WebEx Teams
Asana

Video Tools:
Kaltura
Adobe Premier
video camera operation
video conferencing

Web and Graphic Design Tools:
WordPress
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
HTML5
CSS
JavaScript

Webinar Tools:
WebEx
Zoom
Blackboard Collaborate Ultra

Katrina Johnson

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