Design: Approach to online learning design

From ad-hoc to design-based online learning

In using learning technologies you may have taken an ad hoc approach… trying something new, see how it works. While this is a good way to dip a toe in, it risks investment of more time than you bargained for with little real benefit. In a design-based approach you consider the factors, including the nature of your discipline, then plan and storyboard your ideas… and include evaluation.

Whether you are teaching online, face to face or in a blended mode, the principles of learning design are the same, and include:

• keeping the characteristics of your students in mind (discussed later in this module);
• engaging them in activities that help them achieve the desired learning outcomes;
• giving students sufficient resources and guidance to engage in the activities; and
• aligning the assessment with the activities and learning outcomes.

Online learning design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oliver and Herrington (2001) describe designing for online learning in terms of the learning task or activity, the resources (content), and support and guidance required for students to engage in the activity, as shown in the diagram. They suggest that where these components overlap, there is the potential for assessment. This is a useful model as it focusses on the student and how they engage with content in context. 

Incorporating technology into the learning design

How do you decide on which technology to use? Two models that you can use to understand the integration of technology into learning and teaching are:

Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition (SAMR) - designed to help educators infuse technology into learning and teaching; describes the use of technology to enhance what used to be analogue measures, moving from a replacement through to a reconceptualising approach.

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) - a framework to understand and describe the kinds of knowledge needed by a teacher for effective pedagogical practice in a technology-enhanced learning environment.

If you’re new to designing for online learning, these models may be useful.

 

Image source: https://pixabay.com/en/blur-close-up-collage-computer-1867758/