This week marks the beginning of the next course in my Master of Education in Learning Design and Technologies program, which is LDT503: Design of Effective Communication. As I read through our Module 1 resources, one quote stood out to me. The quote read, “Effective communication assists in building relationships and trust” (Arizona State University, 2026). Learning designers are in constant communication with their colleagues, stakeholders, SMEs, leadership, and the list goes on! When we communicate with them, we can either strengthen or weaken those relationships based on our communication style. Our communication choices matter!
Communication Strength
My greatest communication strength is AI-assisted communication. My workplace has been implementing various AI enhancements to streamline our workflow. These enhancements include research tools that can scour our database of program information, writing assistant tools that can draft text messages and emails, and summarization tools that can accurately capture the main points of our conversations with students. I use all three of these tools daily when communicating at work. Due to my expertise and experience using these tools, I am confident in my ability to utilize AI to its fullest capabilities.
AI tools, specifically writing assistants, have been critical to my success as an Enrollment Coach. For example, I had a phone call with a student where we discussed the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program. We covered the course plan, the admissions requirements, and the tuition costs. I typed notes as we covered each topic. At the end of the call, I informed the student that I would send them an email summarizing our phone conversation. I prompted our writing assistant tool by copying and pasting my student notes into the chat box. Then, I asked the tool to “Draft an email based on my conversation with this student in an easy-to-read format with the appropriate ASU links.” Within seconds, the assistant had drafted the email. I read it to make a few revisions. Lastly, I personalized it by including our scheduled follow-up date at the end of the email. This tool made me a more effective communicator because it provided a concise message for the student to review based on our conversation. Ultimately, they received the same message twice, through written and verbal communication, which allowed for deeper understanding.
Growth Area
While AI-assisted communication is my greatest strength, my biggest area of growth is active listening. My AI mentor, Jordan Lee, defines active listening as “fully focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully.” I would like to improve in this area during LDT503. More specifically, I would like to focus on “responding thoughtfully” to the messages I am receiving. This includes reflecting on the message, summarizing key details, and asking clarifying questions as needed.
This skill is important to my development as a learning designer because effective active listening skills are required for success. For instance, if I am attending a project kickoff meeting, connecting with SMEs, or listening to team updates, I must clearly understand the message being presented. Disruptions and a lack of understanding threaten my rapport with the sender. By listening intently, responding thoughtfully, and asking clarifying questions for better understanding, I can build trust. If a team member does not feel listened to or valued, this can lead to negative impacts on the project at hand.
This area is challenging for me because I struggle to speak in group settings. Although it may sound silly, I am afraid of sounding ignorant or asking the “wrong” questions. Therefore, I receive the message, but I do not show my understanding of it. If I do have questions, I try to figure out the answer on my own or ask colleagues later.
Action Plan
Although LDT503 focuses on individual assignments within each module, there are still many opportunities to practice my active listening skills. First, I would like to continue improving this skill by thoroughly replying to discussion posts each week. While I can already connect my peers’ posts to the module readings, I would like to work on asking at least one clarifying question in each of my replies.
Next, I would like to attend each live session and continue to challenge myself to ask questions. If I find a specific topic unclear, I need to ask for clarification. To practice this skill, I will review each module before the scheduled live session. Then, I will come prepared with specific questions. If they are not answered during the session, I will ask the question aloud or through the chat function. By practicing this skill in a safe learning environment, I can make it a habit.
Connection to Professional Identity
Currently, my communication style is positive, timely, and AI-enhanced (when appropriate). I strive to continue nurturing these skills because maintaining an upbeat attitude and remaining reliable can ensure my success when working with teams in the learning design field. By continuing to use AI-assisted communication tools, I can ensure my messaging remains consistent and concise.
As my communication style grows, I would like to focus on curiosity, reflection, and critical thinking. Per the 8 Practices of Principled Innovation, we must learn how to reflect critically and compassionately (Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, 2020). This principle closely aligns with my desire to improve my active listening skills. As a learning designer, we must find the root cause of the challenges an organization may be facing. These are not always surface-level issues. We must be willing to listen intently, ask questions, and collaborate with our team to find the appropriate solution. In doing so, we can create positive and effective change!
Resources
Arizona State University. (2026). M1: Principled innovation. Canvas. https://asu.instructure.com/courses/244021/pages/m1-principled-innovation?module_item_id=18294802
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. (2020). A framework for principled innovation. https://pi.education.asu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Framework-for-Principled-Innovation-251016.pdfIdeas and concepts explored in this discussion post were brainstormed in collaboration with my AI mentor, Jordan Lee.
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