At The Community Solution Education System, our Instructional Design team is at the forefront of educational innovation, ensuring our students receive the most engaging and effective learning experiences possible. From integrating cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality (VR) to enhancing online learning platforms, our team is dedicated to shaping the future of education.

Incorporating Technological Advancements

One of the most exciting initiatives our Instructional Design team is undertaking is the integration of VR into curriculum. This summer, they launched a pilot VR class for students in the Online Early Childhood Education Program at Pacific Oaks College. This innovative approach allows students to immerse themselves in a virtual learning environment, making their courses more interactive and engaging. By putting on their VR headsets, students will feel as though they’re in a physical classroom and will be able to discuss with others ‘in person’, an experience that would otherwise not be possible in an online program. Initially funded for five students, the overwhelming interest in the program and enthusiasm from students led to double the funding, allowing 10 students to participate in this pilot.

In addition to experiencing a virtual learning environment, this unique pilot program also gives students the chance to create virtual reality activities they can incorporate into K-12 curriculum in their future classrooms. This is a tremendous opportunity that will not only enhance their own learning but also have a lasting impact on the educational experiences they create for generations of students to come.

Maintaining & Advancing Online Learning

Instructional Design also plays a crucial role in the ongoing management of academic offerings and related resources System-wide via Canvas, our online learning platform. Recently, they successfully migrated the Canvas instance of University of Western States (UWS), the most recent institution to join The Community Solution, to the System’s centralized Canvas instance, integrating essential technologies like Turnitin, Zoom, and Canvas Studio. Through this migration, Instructional Design ensured a seamless and consistent learning experience for all students.

Instructional Design provides comprehensive day-to-day and term-to-term Canvas support for all of our institutions. This includes managing course shell setup and access, supporting faculty in course content development and instructional strategies, technology integration support, and troubleshooting any Canvas issues that instructors or students encounter during a term. The volume of support required to keep Canvas running smoothly for thousands of students across six institutions is substantial, and this level of support and efficiency would not be possible without the collective resources and expertise provided by being part of The Community Solution. Our unique model allows us to deliver high-quality, consistent service to all our institutions, ensuring that both faculty and students have the tools they need to succeed.

Awarding Digital Badges

In addition to maintaining and enhancing Canvas, Instructional Design also oversees the issuance of digital badges through Credly, an online platform that issues and verifies badges for learning and training. These badges recognize students’ achievements and allow them to showcase their skills on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Each institution within our System has the autonomy to design and implement their own micro-credential programs and badges, adding another layer of value to our students’ educational journey.

The Instructional Design team at The Community Solution is dedicated to advancing educational solutions that enhance the learning experiences of each student at our System. With a commitment to innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement, Instructional Design ensures that our students are well-prepared for their academic and professional journeys. As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide cutting-edge, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of our students and the broader landscape of higher education.