A Career in UXD & Front-End Learning Management: Michael Toolan
Michael is a front-end learning management system (LMS) administrator and information architect. He recently achieved his BA Hons. in graphic design and decided to continue his studies by pursuing a Master’s in User Experience Design (UXD). His research interests include eLearning, distance education, and how human-centred design, artificial intelligence, and gamification can improve the learning experience.
I am a lifelong geek who loves learning, reading, gaming, and research. I have lived in several U.S. states and Germany, and I am currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, in the U.S.–a technological and creative hub.
I work as an LMS administrator. My role has expanded from when I began copy editing and functionality testing eLearning courses years ago to heading an international quality assurance team and performing heuristics testing and educational curricula customizations.
However, I wanted more creativity in my day to day life, so I returned to university (in the U.K. via eLearning) for a graphic design degree. Once I completed my undergraduate studies, I decided that, rather than starting my professional career over from scratch, I would rather pair my creative education with my experience working within eLearning. So, I began researching UX/UI design. I completed several online courses through LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, etc. and found it was a perfect combination of my technical experience and creative training.
My career working with LMS platforms and my personal experiences with pursuing higher education through eLearning have instilled in me a strong sense of the potential for eLearning to dramatically change and advance education as we move into an increasingly digital future. I am excited about this being the age of the digital nomad, where people can work and study practically anywhere.
My life-long love of gaming has also made me a big proponent of gamification in education. I believe that despite obstacles we must overcome — infrastructure issues and technology access being some of the largest hurdles — eLearning offers an incredible opportunity for more equitable, accessible, and widely distributed education.
Career Aspirations: How and why I chose to do an M.A. in UXD university degree
I initially looked into the UXD MA course at Falmouth University on the recommendation of a friend from my undergraduate days who was already in the program. I was impressed by both the university and the Master’s program. It allows me to continue my studies online/remotely while not putting my current career on hold.
A vitally important factor for me is that the program has a diverse, international student body, which I loved in my undergraduate studies. Studying with people worldwide gives me direct exposure to various viewpoints and experiences, expanding my design understanding, research, and professional practice.
Learning UXD principles and research methodologies focusing on human-centred design is an important foundation for my professional goals of exploring new ways and technologies to improve learning experiences and accessibility.
Below is an abstract from my most recent research project in UXD at Falmouth University, and you can download the full paper from the link to read it. This paper may give you an idea of the rigour expected on this practical and academic course. In addition, this research represents an area I’m interested in as I gain further experience in UXD.
UX Research | M.A. coursework
Title: Assessing the Impact of Machine Learning on Learner Experience in Duolingo
Abstract:
This study incorporates a comparative analysis of existing and new data regarding how artificial intelligence/machine learning elements impact user/learner experience and overall user satisfaction with the mobile-assisted language learning app, Duolingo. The COVID-19 pandemic forced traditionally in-person educational providers to rapidly adopt entirely virtual/online learning programs, with varying success and potential negative impacts on learner experience and learning outcomes. As education becomes increasingly online-based, corporations, universities, and students will be best served by developing and implementing engaging, effective online educational programs. This study investigates which user-facing artificial intelligence elements within Duolingo’s user experience design are rated most positively for enjoyment and perceived effectiveness based on self-reported survey data from adult learners. The research goal of this study is to add to current industry knowledge and make an initial determination regarding which elements have the most positive effect on the user/learner experience.
Keywords: eLearning, Learner Experience, Machine Learning, Mobile-Assisted Language Learning, User Experience.
