scholarly journals Developing Online Engineering Courses: A Resource Kit for Collaboration Between Faculty and Instructional Designers

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58
Author(s):  
Hui-Ching Kayla Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Instructional Design ◽  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Mutual Understanding ◽  
Instructional Design Principles

The rise of online courses has created an ongoing demand for instructional designers in higher education. Collaboration between faculty and instructional designers in developing online engineering courses has therefore increased. Potential challenges during the collaboration can be addressed when faculty and instructional designers have a mutual understanding of instructional design principles. This article provides a resource kit that contains a synthesis of online learning theories and examples collected from online engineering courses. These examples can help create a course design that recognizes students’ cognitive load and provides meaningful interactions.

Constructivist Instructional Design

2010 ◽  
pp. 24-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos R. Morales
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Instructional Design ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Design Of Learning Environments

With the continuous growth of online learning in higher education, the need to design course materials that capitalize and leverage on the richness of the Internet and learning technologies has taken on new dimensions. Constructivist theory paired with instructional design models is believed to have a positive influence on the design of learning environments that apply content to real-life situations. Constructivist instructional design for online learning challenges instructional designers regarding the philosophy and methodology to be used, while it provides the conditions for learner-centered instruction. Instructional design and learning theories have been separated into their own arenas. Developing online learning environments using constructivist instructional design addresses and serves the learning needs of students by providing opportunities for increased knowledge construction and participation.

Theory and Application in the Design and Delivery of Engaging Online Courses

2020 ◽  
pp. 246-258
Author(s):  
Dixie F. Abernathy ◽  
Amy Wooten Thornburg
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Educational Change ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Financial Benefit ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Engaging Instruction ◽  
Student Demand ◽  
Instruction And Learning

For the last quarter of a century, online learning has emerged as a viable and, in many cases, preferable instructional option for higher education students. As this wave of educational change became more prevalent and sought after by students and faculty, at times the implementation, driven by financial benefit as well as student demand, may have advanced beyond the preparation. Research and experience have now exposed numerous issues that may hinder the effectiveness of online learning for all involved stakeholders. Designing effective online courses is the first step, but too often the preparation for and focus on engaging instruction and learning ends as the course design is concluding. Recognizing the key principles behind effective student and instructor engagement may add to the overall stakeholder experience in the online learning environment.

A Cognitive Load Perspective to Instructional Design for Online Learning

2022 ◽  
pp. 380-403
Author(s):  
Onur Dönmez
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Instructional Design ◽  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Learning Material ◽  
Intrinsic Cognitive Load ◽  
Learning Tasks ◽  
Learning Practices ◽  
Load Effects

Learners struggle to keep up with the cognitive demands of online learning. Terms referring to the drain of learners' cognitive resources such as “Zoom fatigue” have been around for a while. The instructional design of online courses must consider cognitive factors more than ever. The cognitive load theory (CLT) has major underpinnings for designing online courses. The CLT seeks to optimize the learning process by considering the demands of the learning tasks (intrinsic cognitive load), design of the learning material (extrinsic cognitive load), and activation of learners' cognitive resources (germane cognitive load). Several principles have been proposed to manage each cognitive load type. This chapter will begin by outlining the CLT. Then, well-defined cognitive load effects will be introduced, along with evidence from the field. Next, new frontiers of the theory will be presented. Finally, implications of the cognitive load effects for online learning practices will be discussed.

Authentic Learning in Online Courses

2012 ◽  
pp. 82-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deb Gearhart
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Real World ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Authentic Learning ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Online Course Design ◽  
Design Students

The purpose of this chapter is to describe authentic learning, review the literature pertaining to authentic learning, discuss the benefits for online learning, and provide a model for the use of authentic learning in online course design. Students comment they are motivated by solving real-world problems and often express a preference for doing rather than listening. At the same time, most educators consider learning by doing the most effective way to teach (Lombardi, 2007). The chapter will be beneficial to instructors and instructional designers alike.

scholarly journals Method or Media: 10 Do’s and Some Don’ts for Using Media in Online Post-Secondary Education

2021 ◽  
pp. 71-79
Author(s):  
Albert Schram
Keyword(s):  
Instructional Design ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Online Programs ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Instructional Design Principles

For effective online teaching and learning there is no short-cut for good instructional design, as well as following well-established pedagogical practices. For universities in the post-pandemic era, the main challenges for delivering quality online programs are, first, to provide good access through high quality digital infrastructure, and, secondly, to assure that all lecturers are trained in modern pedagogical approaches, basic instructional design principles for online teaching, and media usage. In my own experience, following the eight QM “Quality Matters” standards, will go a long way in improving online instruction and student engagement. These standards provide a simple, proven and robust framework, even for the inexperienced to design and deliver an effective and engaging course. Universities that have consistently applied QM standards, for example, dominate the rankings for best online programs in the USA (QM 2020). Uniquely, QM offers a low-cost training program on online teaching that can be rolled out at scale for lecturers at member universities and schools, that includes all elements for developing and delivering effective online courses, including the use of media.The use of media in any course is always optional. Recent research, however, shows that the use of media, in particular asynchronous video in combination with other learning materials, can lead to substantial improvements in learning. This research found that the combination of solid instructional design and the appropriate use of asynchronous media in online or hybrid courses can be more effective than traditional face-to-face teaching, due to more focused content, and students being able to rewind thus avoiding feeling overwhelmed (Noetel et al., 2021). Finally, I offer 10 helpful pointers for developing and delivering online courses using media, for those of us who are not experienced online instructors, or instructional designers.

scholarly journals REPRESENTATION OF LEARNING THEORIES IN THE DESIGN OF ELECTRONIC COURSES IN THE CONTEXT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biljana Đorić ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Instructional Design ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Social Constructivism ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Behavioral Theories ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Subject

E-learning is based on numerous psychological and pedagogical theories of learning, which is why their implementation in the context of instructional design can greatly affect the organization and content of e-courses. Diversity in the contents of certain teaching areas requires different approaches in shaping the learning environment. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study is to examine the representation of learning theories in e-course design in the context of higher education. For the needs of the research, an instrument was created which was piloted on a sample of 20 teachers and associates of the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Čačak, University of Kragujevac. The questionnaire covers the following learning theories: behavioral theories, individual and social constructivism, cognitivism and enactivism. The results of this research indicate that teachers and associates give statistically different estimates of the representation of individual learning theories in their e-courses, although these differences do not exist between all compared categories. The principles of individual constructivism are most represented, and social constructivism and enactivism are the least represented. Based on the obtained results, the paper presents pedagogical and research implications for a more detailed examination and understanding of the subject of research.

scholarly journals MOOCs, learning designers and the unbundling of educator roles in higher education

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 71-84
Author(s):  
Steven White ◽  
Su White ◽  
Kate Borthwick
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Reputational Risk ◽  
High Profile ◽  
Open Content ◽  
Learning Projects

In university educational technology projects, collaborations with external partners pose a range of opportunities and challenges. Educational projects are often associated with unbundling of conventional higher education roles though there is limited empirical work in this area. This is particularly the case with massive open online courses (MOOCs), where further research is needed into the production of courses and the roles of those who produce them. This study investigated the extent to which conventional roles of academics are unbundled during MOOC production partnerships between universities and an external MOOC platform provider. The findings indicate that aspects of conventional educator roles are substantially unbundled to learning designers and other seemingly peripheral actors. Unbundling is partially driven by pragmatic decisions shaping course production processes which need to accommodate the massive and open properties of MOOCs, the nature of cooperation agreements with external platform providers and the reputational risk associated with such public ventures. This study adds to empirical knowledge on the unbundling of roles in online learning projects, and the findings have relevance for those involved in decision-making, planning and development of such projects in higher education. Implications for practice or policy: Managers of online learning projects could use these insights to inform recruitment or training of learning designers (e.g., instructional designers, educational designers). Managers of online learning projects could use these insights to inform planning and decision making for projects involving external partners and collaborations. Learning designers could use these insights to help plan for online learning projects which involve open content, massive numbers of participants, high-profile collaborations.

How Instructional Designers Work and Think in Online Higher Education

eLearn ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Les Howles
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Instructional Design ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Instructional Designer ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Online Higher Education ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
Short Essay

This article summarizes the main themes and chapters for The Learner-Centered Instructional Designer (Stylus Publishing, 2021) and provides a critical evaluation and recommendations for prospective readers. The book consists of 19 short essay-like chapters where 20 experienced instructional designers cover a range of topics related to instructional design consulting in higher education. The various authors share practical strategies and best practices about working with instructors to create online courses.

scholarly journals Online Courses in the Higher Education System of Iran: A Stakeholder-Based Investigation of Pre-Service Teachers’ Acceptance, Learning Achievement, and Satisfaction

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 117-142
Author(s):  
Reza Dashtestani
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning Achievement ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
University Instructors

This study focused on the acceptance level of higher education stakeholders of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) of online courses in Iran and pre-service teachers’ learning achievement in online courses. Three cohorts of participants who were teaching or learning in online courses included pre-service teachers of TEFL (n=104), TEFL university instructors (n=23), and heads of TEFL departments (n=10). A questionnaire was designed. The Kruskal Wallis test was used to detect differences among the perspectives of the participants. Semi-structured interviews were also utilized. Results indicated that there were significant differences among the perspectives of the three groups of participants about online courses. The pre-service teachers appeared to be relatively positive about online learning, while the university instructors and heads of departments showed a lower level of satisfaction. The participants pointed out several challenges, including the lack of rigor of online courses, the incredibility of the certificates, the lack of technological infrastructures, technical problems, the impractical content of the lessons, the lack of human interaction, the low competence levels of online learning students, and employers’ lack of interest in employing graduates of online courses. The participants also mentioned that pedagogical and technological training was required for both university instructors and pre-service teachers of TEFL. The comparison of pre-service teachers’ mid-term and final scores in the online courses showed a significant difference and improvement of students’ learning achievement in online courses with medium to large effect sizes. In the interviews, the participants also confirmed that online courses could improve student learning.

scholarly journals Designing learning environments for cultural inclusivity: A case study of indigenous online learning at tertiary level

2000 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine McLoughlin ◽  
Ron Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Instructional Design ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Goal Orientations ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Cultural Dimension ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Indigenous Australian

<span>Flexible delivery of educational resources must take account of cultural variables and recognise the specific learning needs, preferences and styles of learners. In designing instruction, there may be a tension between the need to ensure access for a diverse student population, while at the same time taking into account the need for localisation to accommodate learners' particular cultures, cognitive styles and preferences. Considering the micro and macro cultural levels of instructional design is therefore essential if appropriate learning environments are to be created. The acceptance, use and impact of WWW sites is affected by the cultural backgrounds, values, needs and preferences of learners.</span><p>One of the limitations in current instructional design models is that they do not fully contextualise the learning experience, and are themselves the product of particular cultures. The design of Web based instruction is not culturally neutral, but instead is based on the particular epistemologies, learning theories and goal orientations of the designers themselves. Recently, theorists have argued for a cultural dimension in the design process and the need to provide culturally sensitive learning environments.</p><p>In this paper, we trace the design processes involved in the development of an online learning environment for indigenous Australian learners preparing to enter university, and account for the cultural issues that impacted on creation of learning tasks and styles of communication. The paper argues for cultural localisation, which means incorporating the local values, styles of learning and cognitive preferences of the target population. It also means going beyond surface level design considerations, to achieve culturally inclusive constructivist learning environments. Examples of tasks, activities and forms of online interaction are provided in the context of a bi-cultural model of learning that recognises diversity and different learning needs. It is recommended that when creating WWW based course support sites for cultural inclusivity, systematic attention must be given to particular design guidelines, which include responsiveness to learner needs, community based learning and cultural contextualisation of learning activities.</p>

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