“It was a pleasure working with Mary because she was able to see the vision and go with it. It was refreshing to work with someone that was super professional and detail-oriented.” — Monica Hawkins, Specialty Leasing Manager
Studio-MZ offers five key services:
1) Learning Experience Design (LXD)
2) Instructional Design (ID)
3) Curriculum Development (CDev)
4) LMS Customization (using Canvas, Articulate, and more)
5) Faculty Consultation (for online and hybrid learning environments)
The first three services — LXD, ID, and CDev — interconnect closely, while the last two provide essential support. It’s important to address the confluence of LXD, ID, and CDev to better understand Studio-MZ’s process.
A Little Context
Instructional design emerged during WWII to meet urgent workforce training needs, while curriculum development took shape in the early 20th century, driven by progressive educators like John Dewey. Learning Experience Design (LXD), a newer approach coined in 2007, integrates user-centered design to create holistic and engaging learning experiences.
All Learning Design:
Learning Experience Design (LXD), Instructional Design (ID), and Curriculum Development (CDev) each play a unique role in the learning design process, yet they are deeply interconnected. ID focuses on structuring and delivering content with clear objectives, while CDev provides the framework that aligns modules with broader educational goals. LXD enhances both by incorporating user-centered design, storytelling, and creative approaches to craft engaging, immersive experiences.
Think of it this way:
• LXD is the “artist” who crafts a visually appealing and immersive learning experience.
• LXD is the “artist” who crafts a visually appealing and immersive learning experience.
• ID is the “architect” who meticulously plans the structure and flow of the learning content.
• CDev is the “master planner” who outlines the overall educational roadmap.
Mary's development in education has always incorporated a combination of these three learning design methods. Her T-shaped, generalist specialist type brings in the influence of the artist, architect, and master planner. This is born from her combination of an experienced teacher, a fearless technologist, a communications creative, and a lover of order and process.
Studio-MZ Process
With these five services in mind, Mary’s educational theory is grounded in these foundational constructs. My approach follows a structured yet adaptable framework to ensure every project meets its unique goals and learners’ needs.
• ADDIE Model: Analyze → Design → Develop → Implement → Evaluate.
• Bloom’s Taxonomy: A framework for designing activities that enhance cognitive skills.
• Data Analytics: Using learner data to refine and improve future designs.
Studio-MZ’s learning design process includes the following steps:
1) Define learning objectives.
2) Identify and refine instructional goals.
3) Analyze instructional needs.
4) Collaborate with subject matter experts.
5) Develop assessment strategies.
6) Gather and incorporate feedback for continuous improvement.
Studio-MZ recommends SCORM compliance to:
• Ensure compatibility across learning management systems (LMSs).
• Deliver consistent, effective educational experiences.
• Enhance quality and usability for learners and educators.
• Integrate seamlessly with widely used L&D and LMS tools.
• Deliver consistent, effective educational experiences.
• Enhance quality and usability for learners and educators.
• Integrate seamlessly with widely used L&D and LMS tools.
Thought leadership:
How Does Storytelling Enhance Learner Engagement in Instructional Design?
Excerpt of my quote:
“The benefits of storytelling in instructional design are profound:
- It fulfills our innate need for stories, a desire that remains with us throughout life.
- It forges connections to students’ experiences, embedding lessons in long-term memory. Graduates often recall stories from my courses years later, along with the lessons they imparted.
- It makes challenging or abstract concepts accessible, as students see themselves in the stories, making the material more relatable.
- It forges connections to students’ experiences, embedding lessons in long-term memory. Graduates often recall stories from my courses years later, along with the lessons they imparted.
- It makes challenging or abstract concepts accessible, as students see themselves in the stories, making the material more relatable.
- A well-told story sparks curiosity, leading students to explore topics further and apply them to their lives.
“In education, storytelling is a powerful and magical tool, transforming lessons into memorable, impactful experiences.”
Ready to transform learning? Let’s collaborate.
Together, let’s plan your program’s learning design. To schedule an opening conversation to start that process, email Mary or reach out through the contact form below. Schedule a 15–30 minute consultation with Mary through Calendly to start transforming your learning initiatives.
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