Who Am i?
|
A Reflection Piece: On the impact of pace on learning experiences. Presented by Rachael McCallum, Learning Design Officer, Postgraduate Learning Design (PGLD).
Explore more from the Postgraduate Learning Design team and different approaches to pacing in course design: How we codesign online subjects with student workload in mind. See original blog post. |
Personal Statement
To design, is to solve a problem.
Investigating the nature of visual communication and human engagement is at the core of of my approach. I am always learning and improving. I rely on research, feedback and relfection as an essential method of project implementation.
Investigating the nature of visual communication and human engagement is at the core of of my approach. I am always learning and improving. I rely on research, feedback and relfection as an essential method of project implementation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Learning Design career highlights
My approach to e-learning is tailored to the needs of the client and organisation.
Learning theories I have adoped are generally to keep education resources 'learner-centric' (student centred learning, Universal Design for Learning), to support the clients needs as much as possible. Often, I find that accomodating anticipated needs or acessibility needs to be particularly interesting when feedback allows for more thoughtful iterations, especially with a view to inclusivity and business growth.
Learning theories I have adoped are generally to keep education resources 'learner-centric' (student centred learning, Universal Design for Learning), to support the clients needs as much as possible. Often, I find that accomodating anticipated needs or acessibility needs to be particularly interesting when feedback allows for more thoughtful iterations, especially with a view to inclusivity and business growth.
|
Highlights from my time at UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY as a LEARNING DESIGN OFFICER
|
INdustry PArtnerships
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has introduced a transformative suite of microcredentials in digital engineering, designed in collaboration with industry partners. The program, developed after extensive industry consultations, is strategically structured into stackable credits that cater to both novices and seasoned professionals. This approach not only aligns with professional standards but also innovatively addresses the diverse learning needs of participants, preparing them for advancements in digital engineering.
See the presentation video (right) for a full overview. |
|
General Projects Overview & Problem SOlving
|
Due to the succes of the unique short-term contract project undertaken in 2021 with UTS, I was recruited as a fulltime Learning Design Officer for the Faculty of Engineering and IT in the Postgraduate Learning Design Team.
Projects undertaken are tertiary short courses such as:
|
|
Problem solving
We needed to refresh a course welcome video, but due to time limitations and academic availability creating a new welcome video that reflected the updated course design was proving to be impossible!
So I volunteered an unconventional workaround: using Chat GPT to create a script and then uploading it into an AI video generator to create an AI developed welcome video. (It was for a Machine Learning course, so it was a unique opportunity)
So I volunteered an unconventional workaround: using Chat GPT to create a script and then uploading it into an AI video generator to create an AI developed welcome video. (It was for a Machine Learning course, so it was a unique opportunity)
|
This sounds easy but it was actually a bit of a journey and couldn't have been done without a little bit of human intervention. Although we wouldn't advocate for using AI generated scripts/video in all situations in this case the output itself becomes a great case study highlighting the relevance of the learnings in this subject on everyday life. |
"*mostly generated with Ai"; is to say the Script was written by Open Ai's Chat GPT-3 (13/04/2023) and the presenter was an Ai generated figure, animated by Ai via D-ID. Studio.com (13/04/2023). There was some video editing by a human, adding relevant imagery, effects and text, but core to this video asset is the Ai script and figure, without which there would be no video.
|
ROLE PLAY
ROle PLayWithin the UTS postgraduate learning design team, we often need to create innovate assets to enhance learning for sutends. We do this collaboratively with out media team and peers, and I volunteer often, making use of my highschool Drama classes.
Recently, I was involved as a character actor during roleplay asset creation for Advanced Professional Skills and Ethical Issues in Psychology. |
|
Empathetic Listening - Effective | https://vimeo.com/user60187437/review/782770248/34bc9d7f62
Empathetic Listening - Ineffective | https://vimeo.com/user60187437/review/782771830/7bef92563f
Probing Questions - Effective | https://vimeo.com/user60187437/review/783241916/d99d89fc6c
Probing Questions - Ineffective | https://vimeo.com/user60187437/review/783241238/29025c0680
Empathetic Listening - Ineffective | https://vimeo.com/user60187437/review/782771830/7bef92563f
Probing Questions - Effective | https://vimeo.com/user60187437/review/783241916/d99d89fc6c
Probing Questions - Ineffective | https://vimeo.com/user60187437/review/783241238/29025c0680
Lx Lab Uplift project
2021: Lx Lab
|
|
|
|
A unique project (conducted whilst also completing my Graduate Certificate, also at UTS).
The ‘Project’ was a UX design uplift project across an entire Bachelor's degree student experience within the UTS School of Sport and Exercise Science. See the before and after images to see the change on a page-to-whole course structure. |
|
I designed a signposting language, more than 400 graphic assets in various themes, HTML interactives, and ensured accessible practices are followed within a student-centric strategy. Within this project was some academic upskilling to support ongoing maintenance of the sites and ensure awareness of the WCAG guidelines.
UTS used the platform Canvas, after a recent transformation project from Blackboard, and involved the training of multiple technologies to the Subject Coortinators, including Mentimeter, H5P and Acessibility simulators. This effort was to facillitate the students attention to the learning content - and not on a potential labyrinth of information.
The project aim is wide, and has 23+ subjects to conform to the design.
UTS used the platform Canvas, after a recent transformation project from Blackboard, and involved the training of multiple technologies to the Subject Coortinators, including Mentimeter, H5P and Acessibility simulators. This effort was to facillitate the students attention to the learning content - and not on a potential labyrinth of information.
The project aim is wide, and has 23+ subjects to conform to the design.
|
|
Working with Samsung Mobile Retail division. I found this opportunity exciting, but its timing was awkward as I was quickly offered a role within UTS Postgraduate LD team, which aligned more with my goals and interest in variety.
|
SAmsung
|
Recruited directly via Linkedin, Cheil hired me to work as an Instructional Designer for their client Samsung, in the Mobile Experience Division.
I was responsible for localising HQ provided training resources to suit the Australian market and our team of field retailers and partner accounts. As the starting point for the Australian training information, it was essential that I managed multiple projects at once with accuracy and efficiency. Often I would make interactive modules for their internal LMS through Articulate RISE, including quick quizzes and games. Or, for retail staff convenience, I would design easily readable and comparative product diagrams as printable handouts. I speak to the distinct difference in the learning strategies and needs of this role in the Learning Designer Meetup Reflection video presentation at the top of this page. |
|
Learning Design, before studying LEarning design.
Below are some notable projects from my time at WEBSTERCARE as an ADMIN ASSISTANT and RESOURCE CREATOR, which it is worth noting was before my study of a graduate Diploma of Learning Design (UTS, 2021)
Webstercare
Webstercare (2019-2021)
|
During my time at Webstercare, I have been invovled in many projects in design which create learning resources and media.
Key software; Adobe Creative Suite
|
*This video above is a part of the MMS Video Library, see 'Micro Learnings' section below. This library is created for Webstercare customers only.
|
Micro Learnings
|
Learning Strategy: Just in time learning
The Brief The Company has developed a Software that is central to the funciton of many other auxillary softwares. The training manual (which is extensive) was the only customer facing resource, was easily outdated, not engaging and a chore to teach. The Plan So in 2020 we began seeking a more engaging method of sharing the training knowledge. After establishing common software "call types", I worked to create these videos (selection pictured) to what continues to grow as a library resource of small topics of peak interest. Working through the userguide on a "needs basis", the micro learnings are to be short - under 2 minutes and encapsulate the purpose, benefit and method to performing each function within the software. This video links is a small sample of the MMS Video Library which offers many topics via the MMS Help Webpage. This library is created for Webstercare customers.
|
|
Moodle Courses
|
Learning Theory: Connectivism
The Brief One specific product, "MedSig" was about to release significant additions to its software. To support the implementation release nationwide, I was tasked to create an online training module that would complement the preexisting 'foundation' training modules. |
|
|
My Take
The course would be an introduction, and a reinforcement of Best Practice, as prompted by the Royal Comissions findings in 2020-2021. I didnt include games, as setting time aside for training such as this for our target audience is a constricting factor.
Lessons Learnt
If I could do it again, I would like to make the course more engaging; I can see opportunities for memory quizzes for the key takeaways, and more visual cue prompting. It also felt a little slow to watch.
This is one of seven modules within the course.
The course would be an introduction, and a reinforcement of Best Practice, as prompted by the Royal Comissions findings in 2020-2021. I didnt include games, as setting time aside for training such as this for our target audience is a constricting factor.
Lessons Learnt
If I could do it again, I would like to make the course more engaging; I can see opportunities for memory quizzes for the key takeaways, and more visual cue prompting. It also felt a little slow to watch.
This is one of seven modules within the course.
Written Resources
|
The Brief
the Quality Management Team have a document that had an outdated, difficult to read Quality Management Systems Manual for the workplace, however it had not brought about engagement as a resource. Goal To capture the essenece of The QMS Manual in terms everyone can understand. Learning Strategy: Humanising written tone with memory anchoring icons Outcome I authored a concise QMS handbook for my colleagues, with pictures and diagrams, based on the ISO 9001:2015 Quality principles, to be shared at point of onboarding of new staff and also available as a digital resource. There has been requests for an additional Moodle course to reflect the document. 
|
|
Help Menu Support
|
The Brief
A new software was being trialled, with collaboration with the NSW Department of Health and my client. As helpful as written instructions are, the business identified that they needed demonstrations of how to use certain aspects of the new software. Learning Strategy: Eliminate any ambiguity or doubt with visual and audio cues in shareable asset |
|
The Plan
A series of Micro Learnings hosted within the online platform. It was determined that the content is private and did not allow sharing of training informaiton. This excerpt is all I can show.
Lessons Learnt
These videos, because they are embedded in the software, are a bit of a production to update, which is set to happen on a biannual schedule. If I had the opportunity, I would have made sure more backups of the working files existed - some files were lost in the transition to WFH(work from home) during the 2020 Pandemic.
A series of Micro Learnings hosted within the online platform. It was determined that the content is private and did not allow sharing of training informaiton. This excerpt is all I can show.
Lessons Learnt
These videos, because they are embedded in the software, are a bit of a production to update, which is set to happen on a biannual schedule. If I had the opportunity, I would have made sure more backups of the working files existed - some files were lost in the transition to WFH(work from home) during the 2020 Pandemic.
Webinars
|
The Brief
A new feature of software integration capability was to be released, and it was expected that all customers required training. This software had been traditionally taught person-to person in person during implementation of the software solution, then maintened via user guides and update emails. This software change was however a huge change and involved fair volume of context. The customer-call expectation was massive, and training sessions in the 'old way' are lengthy, with many common questions. Learning Strategy: A rising tide lifts all ships The Plan We scheduled a live webinar software demonstration, allowing customer questions at the end. It was recorded as a walkthrough with our most knowledgeable customer service representative, and used the recording as a reference to create a single, comprehensive presentation for future customer needs. This recording has time stamped chapters, so could be shared with answers to the timeframe a customer had a question relating to, allowinf for the option of the full training video to watch. In this way, one message could be shared consistently to all customers, avoiding the potential of different information being shared as new software can sometimes be confusing for the CST as much as the customers! |
|
Art Career Highlights
Founding Kil.n.it Experimental Ceramics Studios
2015. Co-founded with Glenn Barkley (Senior Curator of the MCA) and Bev Shroot (graduate of UNSW Masters of Curating), Kil.n.it was made for artists.
We came together, each with unique skills and a common goal - to provide affordable studio spaces for the growing avante-garde ceramic artists emerging in Sydney. Artistic spaces were not easily available, even less so were the ones equipped for Ceramics; across NSW, due to changes in education funding; institutions were losing funding to educate in ceramics like TAFE and SCA (Sydney Colledge of the Arts) causing the downstream closure of many ceramics studios.
We applied for and won a residential tenancy grant for the Nurses quarters in Glebe, an unused adjunct to the heritage listed hospital building (now a community centre) on Glebe Point road.
We came together, each with unique skills and a common goal - to provide affordable studio spaces for the growing avante-garde ceramic artists emerging in Sydney. Artistic spaces were not easily available, even less so were the ones equipped for Ceramics; across NSW, due to changes in education funding; institutions were losing funding to educate in ceramics like TAFE and SCA (Sydney Colledge of the Arts) causing the downstream closure of many ceramics studios.
We applied for and won a residential tenancy grant for the Nurses quarters in Glebe, an unused adjunct to the heritage listed hospital building (now a community centre) on Glebe Point road.
|
Our endeavor was more than just leasing studio spaces, but one of fostering culture of experimentation in clay. This was perhaps my greatest contribution to the space, as a fairly experiemental artist myself. |
|
We sought practicing multimedia artists to become resident artists, created exhibition opportunities for our communities as well as fundraising paths, and later in 2016, a classroom space to host fun ceramics classes. The start up costs were covered through donations, and within the first year of operation we were registered with deductible gift-recipient status.
I lived onsite in the Artists residency space, as a technical advisor, technician and office manager - whilst exhibiting along with the resident artists.
The space continues today. I continue as a part of the NFP Committee.
I lived onsite in the Artists residency space, as a technical advisor, technician and office manager - whilst exhibiting along with the resident artists.
The space continues today. I continue as a part of the NFP Committee.
Kil.n.it Radio interview
|
The backfdrop of thie radio recording is a ceramic artwork of mine from 2013.
|
Kil.n.it MArketing and Brand identity
|
Kil.n.it thrives today, and continues to embody my passion for experimental and unconventional ceramic approaches in an affordable and safe environment. Often the images are from photos I have taken, scenes I have constructed or and copy I have written. Even the artwork pictured on the landing page, is my own, selected by our co-founders - out of a range of artists who were resident in the studios at the time. Once our company values were made clear and our Logo decided upon, I was relied upon to create standout advertising that was able to be produced on a tight budget. The flyer pictured right is just one of many we printed, black and white (for affordability- and distributed locally in the early phases of Kil.n.it's classroom establishment phase. See below the Monthly newsletter I would write for our Kil.n.it subscribers. 
|
| studio_vacancy___kil.n.it_x_art_month_exhibition___classroom_announcements___artist_spotlights.eml |
| heat_waves_and_clay_make_for_some_arty_events.eml |
Glaze Kitchen WHS, Induction and Signage
|
At Kil.n.it, we established an unusual "kitchen" where artists could pay-as-you-use glaze materials to craft their signature artist recipes.
This involed many health and safety concerns, as the space required an induction, experience, and (in most cases) a degree in ceramics! I strived to make the space accessible, friendly and understandable. This infographic (right) is a playful example of this, however I also held classes, one-on-one development sessions and inductions for general safety. The colour choices and tone carried through the general brand of Kil.n.it. 
Images courtesy of City of Sydney photographers, 2016
|
|
And it continues...!
Writing for The Journal of australian ceramics
|
On occaision, I write for the Journal of Australian Ceramics.
Topics I have explored in the past are Artist introduction, where is the divide between craft and art, and a 'call to arms' for recent graduating artists. In the piece “Lets Hit Refresh”, my graphic design & layout included, was published 2014. This was a strategic contribution to promote the Hell-o exhibition, and chimed with the attitude of Kil.n.it, 2015 |
https://www.australianceramics.com/journal
|
|
Hell-o Multi arts festival
|
Hell-o Multi Arts Festival Redfern Feb - March 2015 Right after Graduating from National Art School, I applied for a City of Sydney cultural grant to produce an event showcasing peers from the 3 Sydney art schools (National Art School / COFA / SCA ). Successful in my application, the event was a mixed art forms, poetry, performance and exhibition events during Art Month. The event had a 'gritty attitude' and showcased a diverse range of mediums, practices and approaches to artmaking in an effort to show the "hidden" underbelly of the emerging art scene. The event had to satisfy 40+ stakeholders (mostly artists contributing, but also the City of Sydney cultural program, and the venue; Redfern Projects 107) , required an Auspice (NAVA), insurance (AMMI) and was mostly managed through facebook. The Catalogue (pictured right) was my favourite keepsake of the exhibition: an a5 landscape bound & printed 48pg booklet. I was able to use my graphic design skills to capture the meaning and moment of the show, an announcement that "we" had arrived. There was also a website I produced for the time, however it only remained live for 3 years post event. |
|
Kil.n.it experimental ceramics studios - Poster designs
Kil.n.it
|
The Brief
Kil.n.it was new, and needed to share the business and generate curiosity. |
|
The Design
Capturing the attitude of kil.n.it through heavy use of black and strong graphic font use. The photograph is the core of the message with a call to action directed to the website. Puns and wit are a big part of branding for Kil.n.it's cyncial wit, and we found bold concise phrases attracted most audience in the Glebe / Newtown area which was our target.
Lessons Learnt
Personally, I love the print bleed/colour correct graphics at the top, it makes the poster a 'W.I.P' which I sensed links the working environment of the studio, however it was not carried throughout design media.
Arranging locations to post posters was difficult, but we found libraries to be an excellent venue for this activity type.
Capturing the attitude of kil.n.it through heavy use of black and strong graphic font use. The photograph is the core of the message with a call to action directed to the website. Puns and wit are a big part of branding for Kil.n.it's cyncial wit, and we found bold concise phrases attracted most audience in the Glebe / Newtown area which was our target.
Lessons Learnt
Personally, I love the print bleed/colour correct graphics at the top, it makes the poster a 'W.I.P' which I sensed links the working environment of the studio, however it was not carried throughout design media.
Arranging locations to post posters was difficult, but we found libraries to be an excellent venue for this activity type.
