Flexible communication of learning
I think it is very important for the instructional designer to be aware that learners have preferred ways of learning that are possibly different from one another. This awareness should lead to considerations during the design phase of a variety of delivery methods, range of activities, alternate assessment options, etc.
One of the challenges for the designer is deciding whether to structure the program with the entire program offered in a variety of manners (to be truly flexible) or to offer a variety of structures across the duration of the course.
One of the questions I would pose is related to offering the learning in a variety of manners but then forcing all learners to communicate their learning in one format only. In my experience, it is in the communication of the learning that the most flexibility should be offered. Rather than force everyone to submit a written assignment (which automatically disadvantages those students with English as an acquired language), offer a choice of a written assignment, video presentation, recorded discussion on the topic, annotated flow chart, etc, etc. This allows students to reflect their learning in their preferred learning style.
This creates some interesting questions for the designer of a program that is being delivered online, and even some questions for this course.
