Hi, I’m Barbara!

I design dynamic learning experiences that solve real-world business problems.

Portfolio Highlights

UCSD Teaching and Learning Online

The following portfolio samples showcase elements from Teaching and Learning Online, a core blended course within UCSD Extended Studies' new Instructional Design certificate program, which I designed and built entirely from the ground up. Employing a Backward Design approach, I prioritized creating authentic, scenario-based learning activities. I am currently applying similar principles to build another key course focused on Emergent Technologies and AI.

Target Audience

Adult learners new to instructional design and AI, pursing UCSD’s Instructional Design certification.

Tools Used

Canvas, Camtasia, Articulate 360 (Storyline, Rise), Adobe Captivate, ChatGPT (and custom GPTs), Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, DeepSeek, Google NotebookLM

Learning Objectives

Through a combination of lectures, discussions, quizzes, and the final exam, students taking this course should be able to:

  1. Apply Major Instructional Design Theories, Methodologies, and Frameworks: Apply major instructional design theories (such as Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism), methodologies, and frameworks (such as ADDIE, UDL, and backward design) to create effective online learning experiences.

  2. Identify Key Considerations and Apply Best Practices in Online Course Design: Identify key considerations online course design. Apply best practices to create inclusive, accessible, and engaging online learning strategies that foster community and student success.

  3. Identify and Evaluate Learning Management Systems: Identify major platforms in the Learning Management System (LMS) landscape. Evaluate LMSs from both a learner and administrator perspective with a focus on core functionality, technical considerations, and industry trends.

  4. Identify Past, Current, and Future Trends in Online Learning: Identify past trends (the Internet, MOOCs, just in time learning, social media, etc.), current, and future trends in online learning (AI, microlearning, micro-credentials, mobile learning, and gamification, etc.) and explain their impact on course design.

  5. Utilize Generative AI in Online Learning: Utilize generative AI in online course design and teaching, and assess its potential influence on future educational practices.

Sample Video Lecture: The Psychology of Gamification for Instructional Designeres

Why We Play: The Science and Psychology Behind Gamification is the anchor lecture in my Gamification module for Teaching and Learning Online (UCSD Extended Studies). Here I translate research on dopamine pathways, behaviorist reinforcement, and Self-Determination Theory into concrete design choices—showing how points, badges, and narrative loops can move beyond “edutainment” to satisfy learners’ needs for Competence, Autonomy, and Relatedness. I also surface common pitfalls such as the Overjustification Effect, encouraging designers to deploy rewards judiciously. The lecture demonstrates my ability to distill complex cognitive science into clear, actionable guidance for budding instructional designers.

Designing with AI: A Simulated Needs Assessment for Sales Training

This real-world-inspired assignment showcases my ability to design immersive, corporate-relevant learning experiences. Learners step into the role of an instructional designer at MegaTech, a high-tech company struggling with inefficient sales team meetings. Their task: conduct a needs assessment to identify performance gaps and propose data-driven solutions. To bring the scenario to life, I created a custom GPT-powered “AI VP of Sales” that learners must interview to gather stakeholder insights—offering hands-on practice with stakeholder communication, data collection methods, and strategic analysis. This forward-thinking assignment integrates artificial intelligence, corporate constraints (like IP security and LMS compliance), and performance consulting best practices. Here I’ve included the assignment file and a companion video lecture which demonstrates the AI interaction, explains the scenario, and provides an overview of needs assessments as a cornerstone of instructional design.

Translating Tech: A Sample Lesson on Generative AI for Non-Coders

This lecture is a foundational lecture I created to help learners make sense of today’s most talked-about technology—without requiring a technical background. In this video, I introduce the core concepts of generative AI, highlight how it differs from traditional AI, and explain why it's gaining such rapid momentum across industries, including education and training. Through clear examples and approachable language, I help viewers build confidence with key terminology like “large language models,” “tokens,” and “prompts,” while also raising awareness of important ethical considerations like hallucinations and algorithmic bias. This video is included in my portfolio to showcase my ability to design instruction that translates complex, emerging technologies into engaging, beginner-friendly learning experiences. It reflects my commitment to preparing modern learners—and the organizations that support them—for the responsible and creative use of AI in the workplace.

A Real World Practice Activity: Designing SMART Objectives with Generative AI

This discussion-based assignment demonstrates how I integrate AI tools into instructional practice while reinforcing core design skills like writing SMART objectives. Set within the ongoing MegaTech scenario, learners use generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, DeepSeek) to draft training objectives, iteratively refine their prompts, and reflect on the experience. The assignment encourages hands-on experimentation, critical thinking, and peer-to-peer feedback. I’ve included it in my portfolio to showcase how I design collaborative, real-world learning activities that build both AI literacy and instructional design expertise—preparing learners to use AI not just as a novelty, but as a practical tool for creative and strategic work.

Core Tools of the Trade: Teaching Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate & Camtasia

This video, Essential Software for Instructional Designers, introduces students to the core tools used to create custom training content: Articulate 360 (Storyline and Rise), Adobe Captivate, and Camtasia. It serves a dual purpose in my portfolio—demonstrating both my ability to teach technical tools clearly and my hands-on expertise with industry-standard authoring software. In this session, I guide learners through the strengths, use cases, and considerations of each tool, helping them understand when and why to choose one over another based on project goals and platform constraints. Including this video in my portfolio highlights my skill in demystifying essential technologies for aspiring instructional designers and my fluency with tools instrumental across corporate, higher ed, and nonprofit learning environments.

Essential Software for Instructional Designers (PART 1)

Essential Software for Instructional Designers (PART 2)

Let’s connect! barbara@wigsie.com