Dan Smith - ID, UXD, LXD

Hello! I'm Dan.

I design learning experiences that are powerfully engaging and driven by evidence-based practice. With a background in eLearning technolgoy and development, my learning experiences are technology-forward while remaining human-centered.

Headshot placeholder

Personal Statement

My first day of graduate school was also my first day teaching, when I stepped into a Music Theory 101 course at 8 AM on a Monday. That experience made something immediately clear to me: subject-matter expertise does not, by itself, produce effective learning. Teaching require structure, intentionality in design, and understanding how people actually learn, which were things I had little training in at the time.

Over the next decade, I focused on closing that gap. With seven years of experience in eLearning development and LMS administration, combined with a master's degree in instructional design, my design process is now rooted in: Adult Learning Theory to create experiences that actually match way people learn; sound application of Multimedia Principles so that technology supports learning instead of getting in the way of it; and, Constructivist Learning Theory that meets people where they are and builds them up through well-scaffolded learning experiences.

Portrait of me

Education

M.S. Instructional Design, Grand Canyon University
Master of Music, Ball State University

Other Projects

Smaller project preview

Curriculum Assessment

This infographic showcases a needs assessment of a university music theory curriculum, providing a top-down look at the each component of their program and its effectiveness.

View →
Another project preview

Make Your First Candle

A video featuring first-person perspectives to help learners view the project from an authentic angle and custom diagrams that distill complex topics into easily digestible concepts.

View →

Contact

Reach out if you’d like to talk about learning design, collaboration, or career opportunities.

Email LinkedIn