Career Talk (Instructional Designer) for 1st Graders

It should be really easy, you already make the dull exciting.

I always try and present just images on the slides without any text and speak to those keeping it fun and engaging.

When you get into the nitty gritty of what you do it would be great to do a show and tell. Show them the awful content you get given by an SME and then show them how that can be converted into interesting content.

However, I am always of the opinion that the best IDs and developers did something else first, it is often this experience that differentiates the good IDs from the excellent.

For first graders you can do an activity with them like ask them to teach you something, how to tie shoes, or how to get ready for recess...something with step by step instructions. And then as they give you the instructions, use draw the process using simple pictograms or sketches to illustrate instructional design.

I'd think they've probably already been exposed to some kind of educational game in the form of a tablet or computer of some sort.

I'd start by demo-ing a game like that and talking about (eliciting from them) what the game is actually teaching - giving you a great launching point to talk about who makes learning games like this (bringing in the ID concept), and then *amazing* them with the idea that adults need someone to make learning games and courses for them too! (Then you put on your cape and mask and reveal yourself to be an eLearning Hero.)

Sounds like fun to me! Enjoy!!! :-D

I back the game demo. I feel like I should probably do that for some of the adults I know who ask me what I do.

Wow,  Great ideas!  My idea might not be as good, but I would try and demonstrate what you do.  Show two lessons with the same content.  One that is dry and static and the other as interactive as possible. An instructional designer finds a way to make the content more engaging to try and help you learn better.  Maybe an oversimplification, but I think it's appropriate for that developmental level.

Good luck!

Scott is headed down the same path I was.... let them experience learning two ways on a very simple age appropriate topic (eg folding an airplane).  Even divide the group in half and teach it both ways then compare and summarize.

Another option would be to involve them in making a list, interactively with tree branches or some other graphic you fill in live, with all the different ways they have learned things.  Ask lots of leading questions like who learned to whistle by just practicing it themselves, or how did you learn to tie your shoes?     Then explain that IDs look at all the different ways we learn and help choose the best one for a certain topic and person and provide an age appropriate example....  maybe even asking them to look at the different ways and pick two for teaching their friend something new.   That is ID.

How much fun is this going to be!?!  I know that a gamified example would be very much appreciated.  Perhaps an example of a math table that's standard followed with that same information presented in a gamified way to show how much more fun learning can be when presented well.

Maybe ask the kids to think about how they would describe a topic they've learnt about in a different, fun way. After all that's part of an IDs role

I was thinking along the same lines as Nicole. When they give you the steps to a simple task, you can storyboard it on a chalkboard or whiteboard.

You can always go with the classic- one student stands behind the other so they can't see, but sticks their arms out to make a peanut butter sandwich, and the kid in front has to coach them through ;)

Another thing I've done with my kids is to ask them about things they used and how they learn it. Video games usually work well.  How did you know to do X?  Did you know you were being taught to do it or did it seem natural... etc.

I would tell them they are going to teach you how to make a sandwich, and then illustrate the steps as they tell you. You could then have the teacher make the sandwich as the kids instruct using the storyboarded steps.

Great ideas! I really like the idea of using games and comparing a boring sheet with information, and then showing how you can turn that into a game. For example, a sheet with a bunch of sums, and then a visually engaging game with the same sums.

Good luck, sounds like great fun

To be honest I am not sure first graders will get the difference between boring and engaging content so would not go down that path.  I would not use any slides. I would keep it really simple. I like Blair's idea. Create a visual storyboard that details how to make a sandwich. Bring in the ingredients and have someone in the class make the sandwich as the class reads out the instructions.

We actually got to present to some kids at my work this year for take your child to work day. We spoke about learning a bit and asked if they ever played any  learning games at school. Then we let them play some of our interactivesimulationgames. We then talked about people being able to practice some things before they are out on the sales floor. They really enjoyed it. My nieces still bring it up months later.