People of UAB

Robinson is first at UAB to receive prestigious IDD scholarship

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Development program prepares students to effectively design, develop and evaluate learning in a variety of environments, such as health care, business, government and higher education.
Written by: Tehreem Khan
Media contact: Yvonne Taunton


des.2Desland RobinsonDesland Robinson, a McCalla, Alabama, native, is the first graduate student in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Education’s Instructional Design and Development program to receive the Instructional Design and Development program scholarship.

“I am very grateful to be part of a program that provides an amazing opportunity to guide through effectively designing, developing and evaluating a variety of learning environments,” Robinson said.  

The scholarship is the first offered within the program and provides an opportunity to support students’ career aspirations and dedication to the instructional design and development field. The IDD scholarship assists deserving students who go through a rigorous process of submitting a personal statement describing their career aspirations that display dedication to the field, and academic and personal merit.

“The scholarship has provided an opportunity to continue my professional and personal growth by identifying external resources to support continued work on topics of interest,” Robinson said. 

Robinson’s relationship to UAB extends back to 1978, when her father graduated with a business degree. In 2007, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. She began her employment at UAB with Career and Professional Development Services in 2014 and transitioned thereafter to manage the career center within the UAB School of Engineering. 

In the future, Robinson plans to continue applying theories and strategies from the program to impact learning environments in a way that provides learning inclusivity to all.

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Development program at UAB facilitates learning about systematic instructional design, theories of learning and cognition, and multimedia design and development, and students have an opportunity to apply this while working with a client in our practicum. The program focuses on corporate and higher-education learning and development positions.

To learn about the program, visit their website.

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