Daniel L. Morgan | Portfolio

I design learning experiences that are clear, structured, and easy to use.

With a background in fine art (BFA) and instructional design (M.Ed), I focus on visual clarity, reduced cognitive load, and alignment between visuals and instruction.

I build consistent systems that support both teaching and independent learning.

Science Slide Content

After Redesign

These slides break content into smaller, focused units with a clear visual hierarchy, making key ideas easier to identify. Text and visuals are aligned so each image directly supports the concept being presented. The slides are readable during instruction while still functioning as a reference for independent review, guiding students through a clear progression of ideas. These materials are also designed with accessibility in mind through readable typography, clear structure, strong contrast, and reduced visual clutter.

All graphics were designed and created by me to align directly with the instructional goals of each slide.

Slide showing Earth-Sun-Moon system with labeled rotation and revolution paths.

Slide showing Earth-Sun system in four seasons relative to constellations of the zodiac.

Concepts are separated visually and spatially, pairing each term with a distinct color and diagram. The layout moves from definition to labeled example to visual reference so students can connect vocabulary directly to motion.

A simplified explanation is paired with a full visual model of Earth’s orbit relative to constellations and seasons. This connects abstract motion to observable patterns in the night sky.

Slide showing the ecliptic, celestial equator, and meridian in the day time sky. The date is the summer solstice.

Slide explaining and illustrating the relationship between the angle of the sun and the amount of insolation.

A real-world sky view is combined with labeled reference lines to connect abstract concepts to an observable perspective. The design emphasizes orientation and relationships so students can interpret how these lines relate to the Sun’s apparent path.

The relationship between angle and energy is shown visually so students can see how incidence affects energy distribution. Diagrams, labels, and numerical examples are aligned to connect the equation directly to the visual model.

Science Slide Content

Before Redesign

These slides were not made by me. They present multiple ideas at once with inconsistent formatting and weak visual hierarchy, making it difficult to see what matters. Text and visuals are not clearly coordinated, so students have to navigate both content and layout at the same time. Instead of guiding understanding, the slides leave students to sort through the information on their own.

A 'before' slide explaining Earth's revolution about the Sun and seasonal shifts.

A 'before' slide relating solstices and insolation.

LMS Course Design

for clarity and consistency

This module structure creates a consistent, predictable workflow for both students and instructors. Each unit follows the same sequence, reducing navigation overhead and making the purpose of each component immediately clear.

The goal is not just clarity within a lesson, but consistency across the course. The examples below show both the overall course structure and a representative unit.

Canvas modules page showing course organized into resources, night sky practice, and unit-based lessons with a consistent sequence of slides, activities, practice, and assessments.

Interaction and

Assessment Design

Students identify constellations directly within a star map, requiring the development of spatial recognition similar to real night sky observation rather than recall of labeled diagrams. These assessments are built as reusable sets organized by sky region and season, allowing consistent structure while varying content across units. This approach supports skill development while making assessments easy to adapt, expand, and maintain over time.

A view of a Canvas quiz in which the student is asked to click on the constellation Ursa Major.

Student View

Instructor View

A view of Canvas item banks, highlighting the value of consistent naming schemes.

Item banks are organized by sky region and season, allowing assessments to be easily reused, adapted, and recombined across units. Naming conventions support quick navigation and retrieval without interrupting workflow.

All materials shown here were developed and refined in a live course environment, shaped by real instructional needs and student feedback.

Each was built to prioritize clarity, consistency, and usability.

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