Instructional Design Overview
Introducing Technology through iPads to Enhance Digital Literacy and Student Academic Scores

This project addresses the growing need to integrate purposeful technology use in early childhood education. By introducing iPads as tools for building foundational digital literacy, the design aims to support Pre-K teachers in creating more interactive, engaging, and academically beneficial learning environments. The training targets both academic coaches, who guide implementation, and preschool teachers, who execute the learning in classrooms.
Context
Subject: Digital Literacy, Student Academic Scores, Introducing iPads into Preschool
Instructional Level/ Target Audience: Academic Coaches, Preschool Teachers
Learning Management System (LMS): This course will be implemented using Google Classroom as the primary platform for instructional delivery. Through Google Classroom, I will design and organize interactive learning modules, assignments, discussions, and multimedia presentations that align with the course objectives. In addition to the self-paced content, I will use Zoom to host live virtual meetings where participants can engage in collaborative discussions, receive guided instruction, and ask questions to deepen their understanding of the presented material. This blended approach ensures flexibility, accessibility, and consistent support for all participants.
Duration: The course will be 8 weeks long. The purpose of this is to provide thorough support, offer gradual skill-building, and allow participants (especially newer tech users) the time to experiment, reflect, and adjust.
This course is grounded in several key institutional documents that guide its structure, content, and instructional approach.
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The Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines (2022) serve as the foundation, specifically the Technology Applications domain, which outlines expectations for developing foundational digital literacy skills in young learners.
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The ISTE Standards for Educators and Early Learners further shape the course by promoting empowered learning, digital citizenship, and effective technology integration practices.
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My district’s technology integration goals, which emphasize the use of iPads to enhance instruction and improve student outcomes in early education.
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Fink’s Taxonomy for Significant Learning, which balances foundational knowledge with opportunities for reflection and real-world application.
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The CSLE and COVA frameworks also influence the course by creating a learner-centered environment where participants—both coaches and teachers—have choice, ownership, voice, and opportunities to engage in authentic learning experiences.
Design Approach
Outcome-Based Education
This course follows an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) approach, focusing on clearly defined and measurable learning outcomes that align with state standards and early childhood digital literacy goals. OBE ensures that both academic coaches and preschool teachers walk away with practical skills, such as creating iPad rotation plans or integrating digital tools into literacy activities. In early childhood education, especially when introducing technology like iPads, it’s essential to ensure that educators not only understand the “why” behind digital integration but can also demonstrate specific skills and behaviors, such as designing tech-based learning centers or evaluating developmentally appropriate apps. OBE ensures accountability by focusing on what learners will be able to do by the end of the course. It provides clarity for both the instructor and participants, making it easier to track progress, adjust instruction, and ensure practical application. Since this course is intended to improve student academic outcomes through better use of technology, using OBE guarantees that each learning module is directly tied to a meaningful, observable impact in the classroom.
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Fink's Taxonomy for Significant Learning & ADDIE
To structure the learning experience, I also applied Fink’s Taxonomy for Significant Learning to promote deep understanding, reflection, and real-world application. The course is also guided by the ADDIE instructional design model—a widely used framework in professional learning.
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Analysis: I began by identifying the needs of both teachers and academic coaches through informal feedback and experience in the classroom.
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Design: I mapped learning goals to activities and assessments using Fink’s 3 Column Table.
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Development: Course materials such as Google Classroom modules, app guides, video demos, and templates were created.
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Implementation: The course runs over 8 weeks through a blended format of self-paced modules and live Zoom sessions.
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Evaluation: Participant reflections, peer feedback, and final implementation plans are used to assess learning and guide revisions.
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Assessment Strategy
To balance assessment, I use a mix of:
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Assessment of learning through final projects and rubrics,
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Assessment for learning with peer and instructor feedback, and
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Assessment as learning through weekly self-reflections and progress check-ins.
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Who is in Control?
This course also follows the COVA model (Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authenticity). Participants have the freedom to choose focus areas (e.g., literacy, math, or creativity), build authentic projects that fit their classrooms, and reflect on their journey. Learning is a shared responsibility—while I provide structure and resources, participants control their pace and personalize their experiences.


Fink's Taxonomy
ADDIE Model
Design Artifacts
3-Column Table
During zoom meetings and in-person meetings there will opprtunities during and after for participants to anonymously share their thoughts, questions, and opinions.
Video Overview
References
Creatly. (2024). Top 7 instructional design models to help you create effective learning material.
https://creately.com/blog/diagrams/instructional-design-models-process/
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Crompton, H. (2017). ISTE standards for educators. International Society for Technology in Education
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Fink, L. D. (2003). A self-directed guide to designing courses for significant learning. Jossey-Bass.
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Harapnuik, D. (2018). COVA. It's About Learning. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991
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Harapnuik, D. (2021). Assessment OF/FOR/AS learning. It’s About Learning: Creating Significant Learning Environments. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=8900
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Hey, A. (2025, April 13). What is Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning. Coursebox AI. https://www.coursebox.ai/blog/finks-taxonomy-of-significant-learning
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Reilley, D. (2023, March 13). Course development process (the ADDIE model). TigerLearn – TILT Blog, Fort Hays State University. https://tigerlearn.fhsu.edu/course-development-process-the-addie-model/
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Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2021). Understanding by design (3rd ed.). ASCD.