The following outlines the personal development plan in relation to my professional program of study. I list my main aims and objectives, and then identify relevant knowledge gaps, how I plan to address them by studying on the MSc programme at DIT.

1. Programme of study:
professional aspirations underpinned by a Personal Development Plan (PDP)
The following outlines the personal development plan in relation to my professional program of
study. I list my main aims and objectives, and then identify relevant knowledge gaps, how I plan
to address them by studying on the MSc programme.
Aims
The aims of my ongoing professional program of study is to continue building a solid knowledge
and skills foundation in instructional design and to professionally progress as a critically informed
practitioner.
Learning objectives
1. Discuss key areas related to the field of eLearning (online learning and teaching).
o Pedagogy, technology, culture (educational, professional and global context)
2. Demonstrate an informed understanding in instructional design theory and best practice.
3. Demonstrate an informed understanding of learning theory and appropriate links to practice.
4. Identify and evaluate (the relevance, potential, application and value of) current eLearning
technologies so to best utilise them to meet the requirements of diversified online learners.
5. Combine newly developed knowledge and skills in instructional design to my area of
expertise in multimedia design.
6. Build a Professional Learning Network (PLN) in professional areas of interest.
Outlining the gaps in my knowledge and how I am going to fill them through studying on the MSc.
1. The field of eLearning
Gaps: Key areas of pedagogy, technology, culture (educational, professional and
global context)
How will address: Identify the key areas of concerning the areas listed. Develop a criterion for
research which is underpinned by an open exploratory approach. Setup a dedicated section
on my ePortfolio for each area listed and add findings (i.e. articles, media), ideas,
organisations/groups as well as critically informed personal reflections so to build a
repository of information.
2. Instructional design
Gaps: Instructional design theories, learning models, vocabulary and terms, practical
techniques/methods related to the discipline of instructional design.
How will address: The ‘Instructional Design & eAuthoring’ module will give me the opportunity
to explore these areas listed, to develop an understanding and importantly to place these to
context of my professional practice. Actively research and identify instructional design
models, which I have a particular interest in learning more about. Throughout the module
engage in conversations with colleagues about instructional design and carry out reflective
writing to aid deeper learning.

2. 3. Learning theories
Gaps: Learning theories, vocabulary and terms, a deeper understanding in how humans
learn.
How will address: The ‘Learning Theories’ module will give me the platform to develop my
understanding of the field of learning theory. Linking processes of how humans learn to
appropriate strategies of instruction. This will be supported by active research, reading and
writing weekly reflections in my ePortfolio journal.
4. eLearning technologies
Gaps: Technologies/software outside my current work practice.
How address: The ‘Trends in e-Learning Technology’ will act as a framework for an active
period of engagement in this area. Research/source/develop a criterion for identification and
evaluation of current technologies/tools linking to the principles of human learning and the
practical application in a professional context.
5. Building a PLN
Gaps: currently I do not have a PLN
How to address this: During the academic year actively identify organisations/meetups
concerned with technology-enhanced learning, instructional design and eLearning
multimedia design, such as The Irish Learning Technology Association, Articulate User
Meetup Dublin. Use social media, such as Twitter as communication/network channel.