Instructional Design

The 20th century brought forth several changes in the field of education. These changes include teaching methods and pedagogies, teaching and learning theories, and new perspectives on where America’s education is heading. In the 21st century, classrooms called online classrooms or virtual classrooms are emerging in vast numbers, all accessible 24/7, across towns and cities and certainly across the nations. Still, how much can 21st century classrooms benefit from 20th century theories?

Competency models apply to those developing eLearning too. Everyone involved in adult education should know what they are and how they’re best used. This article makes competency models easy to remember (just A.S.K.) and provides the top 20 failures programs exhibit when the fail to live up to their potential usefulness.

1937 - B.F. Skinner introduces the Operant Conditioning Theory. Check the Instructional Design Models and Theories: Operant Conditioning Theory article and presentation to find more.

Storyboard writing is a core skill that all e-learning instructional designers must master. Yet there are common pitfalls that pop up frequently - both for newbies and seasoned instructional designers. Get these valuable tips for improving your e-learning storyboards: your team, your client, and - especially - your reviewer will thank you!

Understanding the basics of the Cognitive Load Theory and applying them to your instructional design is an absolute must, particularly if you want your learners to get the most out of the eLearning course you are creating. This guide will offer you a detailed look at Cognitive Load Theory, including how it can be applied in learning settings. Check the Cognitive Load Theory and Instructional Design article and presentation to find more.

There is a hidden barrier that prevents people from learning - emotions. Instructional designers that fail to take into account the emotional barriers learners face will find their courses met with resistance. It’s important to account for emotions in the design process.

1932 - Psychologist Frederic Bartlett Proposes the Schema Theory. Check the Instructional Design Models and Theories: Schema Theory article and presentation to find more.

Mature learners have unique learning needs and traits that should influence your eLearning course design. In this article, I share the 7 top facts about adult learning theory that every eLearning professional must know.

Concordia University, EduConsillium, and eLearning Industry invite you to participate at The 1st Global Portrait Of Instructional Designers' And Educational Technologists' Survey.

1922 - Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka and Wolfgang Köhler introduce Gestalt Psychology. Check the Instructional Design Models and Theories: Gestalt Psychology article and presentation to find more.

As an e-learning, m-learning, and ILT vendor-partner working directly with clients and as manager of a team of instructional designers, Catherine Davis actively works on innovative instructional design projects every day. Preparing for the new year ahead, Catherine recaps the instructional design trends and opportunities in 2013 that we’ll continue to see in 2014. While instructional technology, including m-learning and gamification, made headlines, storytelling chops and effective communication skills were just as important.

1910 – Thorndike introduces his Laws and Connectionism Theory, which are based on the Active Learning Principles. Check the Instructional Design Models and Theories: Connectionism Theory article and presentation to find more.