Designing Meaningful Learning Informed by Data and Theory

Instructional Designer | Analyst | Educator

I focus on creating clear, thoughtful learning experiences that are grounded in research and built for impact. With a background in instructional design, online instruction, and data analysis, I work to make learning more accessible and effective, particularly in online higher education settings. I care deeply about fostering curiosity and confidence, and I hope every environment I help design contributes to a lasting love of learning.

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About Me

Shayla Nelson

Designing with Purpose, Centered on Learners

I'm a PhD student in Instructional Design and Technology with a background in data analysis, online instruction, and student support. I draw on learning theory and research to design learning experiences that are effective, approachable, and thoughtfully planned, from course structure to assessment to interaction.

I've partnered with faculty, academic teams, and institutional leaders to strengthen student outcomes through course design, analytics, and collaborative problem-solving. Whatever the project, my aim is to make learning clearer, more engaging, and more meaningful for the people it serves.

I live in Idaho with my husband and our two teenage sons. When I'm not working or schooling, you can usually find me traveling, trying new foods, or surrounded by books—collecting them, reading them, and always looking for the next one to add to my shelf.

Top CliftonStrengths — Learner • Developer • Intellection • Empathy • Harmony

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My Portfolio

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Instructional Media &
Content Creation

Multimedia presentations, videos, infographics, and podcasts for clear, engaging learning.

PowerPoint Canva iMovie Audacity Audition Photoshop
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OER Chapter on
Self-Determination Theory

Interactive chapter on SDT to a published OER textbook using H5P and Pressbooks.

Pressbooks OER H5P Peer Review
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Instructional Design for
Antibiotic Resistance Lesson

A six-module multimedia STEM lesson built through a complete instructional design process.

Learner Analysis Needs Analysis Task Analysis PowerPoint
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LMS Course Development &
Migration

LMS migration and content optimization for Canvas-based course delivery.

LMS Canvas Moodle
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One Topic, Twenty+ Ways: Learning Theories

Exploring one lesson through 20+ instructional design lenses.

Pedagogy Learning Theories Lesson Planning Generative AI
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Student Success &
Program Review Dashboards

Dynamic Power BI dashboards for program and student success tracking.

Power BI DAX SQL Databases Data Viz Analytics

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What Others Say

"I only got the chance to work with Shayla for five months, but during that time she more than impressed me...Her dedication to learn new tools and expand our technological space has impacted the company in a very positive way."

Manager

"I'm definitely happy with what I've been able to learn so far, and I hope that I can continue to learn and improve in the future! Thanks for being an awesome teacher! :) "

Student

"You were such a wonderful addition to the team. Not only were you a joy to work with, but you are such a valuable resource who put her all into everything you did."

Coworker

"I really appreciate you and am without words to express it."

Course Lead

"I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for all the time, energy, and care you put into teaching this course. I feel lucky to have been your student. Thank you again for everything. Hope to find teachers like you in terms to come!"

Student

"You're leaving a lasting impact on the team."

Coworker