Doctoral Student Chosen for International Internship in Instructional Design

Shayla Nelson, an Idaho State University doctoral student studying instructional design and technology, was chosen from an international pool of candidates for a competitive and prestigious internship program within the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). She was selected for her hard work and leadership potential within AECT.

AECT is an organization composed of educators and instructional design experts dedicated to pursuing the goal of improving education and the science of learning. 

The Addie Kinsinger Leadership Development Internship—which Nelson was selected for alongside seven other candidates—teaches interns essential leadership skills meant to empower them to be the next generation of AECT leaders. Interns are paired with a mentor, attend executive meetings, assist in AECT operations and work on a leadership project with the other interns related to their field.

With a background in statistics and data analytics, her dissertation work is an experimental study that will compare learners who receive the same instructional video content presented in one, two or four segments to examine whether the degree of segmentation affects their perceived mental effort and immediate learning performance. Now, beginning as an intern within AECT, Nelson is grateful for the chance to develop her leadership skills and contribute to the instructional design and technology field.

“I was really honored to be selected. I’ve become more involved with AECT each year, so it felt good to have that involvement lead to this opportunity,” she said. 

Nelson pointed to the support she had along the way: “The faculty in our program, especially Dr. John Curry, have encouraged me to take opportunities that have helped me grow professionally. I’ve also been really fortunate to go through the program alongside people who have encouraged me, challenged me and made the whole experience a lot more fun.” 

“Shayla has worked hard for this award,” said John Curry, chair of the Department of School Psychology and Educational Leadership. “She continues a tradition of the ISU instructional design program representation in the AECT Internship program. I have no doubt she will represent our university and program, but more importantly, herself well in this internship.”

Looking ahead, Nelson plans to continue staying involved with the organization and supporting new members and students.

“I hope to stay involved with AECT after I graduate through presenting, service and leadership opportunities,” said Nelson. “I’d also like to support students and newer members as they find their own place in the organization. I’m not sure yet exactly what that involvement will look like, but I hope AECT continues to be an important part of my professional community.”

Nelson is the sixth student from ISU who was selected for this internship in the last seven years.