I'm often contacted by potential applicants to Stanford's Learning Design and Technology Program, asking about my experience, the application process, etc. This write-up contains answers to the questions I'm asked most frequently. I was part of the LDT 22-23 cohort. In this write-up, I have discussed the application process, experience at LDT & Stanford, and the outcomes of the program. Please read through these before reaching out to me with questions. I hope you find this useful! :)

Application

What makes a successful application?

An LDT student is chosen to be part of a cohort. My cohort was diverse in terms of age, professional background, and ethnicity. One of the program's goals is to build a supportive community where members can grow and learn from each other. A cohort typically comprises educators, designers, and technologists. The common thread connecting everyone in the program is a passion for developing effective learning experiences. Each student in the cohort is usually excited about creating learning experiences for different types of learners—some might focus on adult learners, others on early childhood education, some on corporate employees, to list a few. It’s usually a wide range.
To answer the main question, a successful LDT application demonstrates the following:

• Applicant's passion for developing effective learning experiences
• Willingness to support the cohort and grow together as a community
• Unique strengths and experiences that make them stand out
• Proficiency in their current field

Does one need to be an educator to do the program?

No, as long as you are passionate about creating effective learning experiences you are good to go. From the student portfolios itself, one can see that everyone comes from different walks of life.

Does one needs to be technically strong to make the best use of the program?

Same as the previous answer. Having strong design and technical skills would definitely help be more independent in projects and assignments though. It entirely depends on what one wants to gain out of the program - whether they want to be more strong in the education side or in the technology side.

Experience

How is the LDT experience?

I really liked my LDT experience. In my opinion, it’s one of the best designed programs at Stanford (after all the program itself is about designing best learning experiences, so it makes sense). There’s a strong emphasis on building community which makes the program very special.

Who is LDT for?

• It’s for anyone who wants to design effective learning experiences. It’s not ideal for people who wants to become a UX Designer or Researcher, even though it’s a possible career outcome of the program. I think there are better programs out there to achieve it.
• It’s also for people who wants to experience what Stanford has to offer.

What’s been my highlights?

• My biggest highlight was discovering my passion for academic research during the program. Although LDT isn't primarily research-based, Stanford is fundamentally a research-focused university. Naturally, students are surrounded by professors conducting fascinating research. The benefit of proximity and access allowed me to work on several intriguing research projects. This experience ultimately led me to pursue a PhD—something that wasn't even on my radar before starting LDT.
• Being at Stanford has its own perks. I got exposed to the vibrant start up ecosystem and the conversations around the latest technological developments. Stanford also has a strong intellectual community in social sciences and I got introduced to many cool social science researchers too.
• School of Education has an amazing makerspace. My maker skills got so better.
• I liked my time in the Bay Area too. While I have my own reservations with the tech bubble in the Bay Area, the place has a lot to offer to learn from.
• I absolutely like my LDT cohort. People are super supportive and root for each other to grow.

What could have been better? What could I have done differently?

• I had a slightly hard time adjusting in the beginning. People at Stanford are also busy all the time. That makes it a little hard to build connections but we all find our own ways. I wish I had been more outgoing right from the beginning.
• At the time of my program, job market was brutal. Even though I decided to go for a PhD and was not really in the job market, the stressed rubbed on me as well. While LDT is a great program, one has to be cognizant of the potential opportunities that they are looking for after the program and LDT’s alignment with that.
• Personally I should have considered pursuing PhD seriously before starting LDT. But on the flip side, I didn’t have any research exposure before to know that I liked it. So it has worked out for me. Maybe things just happen the way that it has to happen :)

How does one make the best use of LDT?

Stanford has a lot to offer and LDT is a short program. Therefore, it is important to be very intentional and curate the Stanford experience to best serve your individual goals. Building a research profile served a good NorthStar for me to design my Stanford experience. Similarly, some people focus on entrepreneurship and some on gaining new skills. It’s worth reflecting to find your NorthStar and curate your Stanford experience around that.

Outcomes

What did I gain the most from LDT?

Answered in the highlights question.

What did I do after LDT?

I worked as a Research Assistant at Stanford for a year continuing my work with Professors Dora and Victor. I am currently pursuing a PhD at Cornell University in the Information Science program.

Is LDT worth it? Would I recommend it?

I think only you can answer it for yourself. LDT was worth it for me as it has opened new door for me. It’s great program to break into ed-tech and learn more about learning sciences. However, if you are looking for primarily a design focused degree, I believe there are better options from an industry-perspective. For instance, a MS in Human-Centred Design or Human-Computer Interaction would be more appealing for employers recruiting for UX roles!

What do people typically do after LDT?

• Work in Children’s media companies
• Work as UX Researchers and Designers
• Work as Learning Designers
• Product Managers
• PhD (Minority)

Finances

How much does it costs?

Refer to this page. The non-tuition expenses are connected to one’s lifestyle and can definitely be a lot lesser if one decides to be frugal and go for cost-effective options.

Are there any scholarships?

• https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/
• Dean’s Fellowship and Other Country Specific Fellowships offered by GSE. Best reach out to GSE for guidance.

What are some ways to fund the program?

• At GSE, Teaching Assistantships are limited to PhD students. So unfortunately that’s not an option for master’s students.
• LDT requires mandatory internships. Getting a well-paid internship could be a great option.
• Working as Research Assistant to professors is also a fantastic way to experience research, work on cool projects, and also get paid. This option worked great for me! :)

That’s it from my side. I hope I have answered most of your questions.

In case, you are curious about the courses I did. Here’s my Learning Portfolio: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fCqEZJ9AsolEIjvpbYrizJ3l17947hhVsgUur4-SRck/present?slide=id.p

If you are from India and found this write-up useful, please consider gifting Tales For Tweens to a young adult in your life. Tales for Tweens is a compilation of award-winning fun stories by the best Indian writers and illustrators for young Indians. The stories spread across themes such as Self Love, Inclusive Families, Body Positivity, Saving Money, Voting, Climate Change, and Mental Health.

If I haven’t addressed any of your questions already and you still need more guidance, drop me a message on LinkedIn. Please feel free to send a connection request on LinkedIn even otherwise, I would love to witness how your path unfolds. Good luck! :)
—
Deepak, ddeepak95.com