Instructional Design

The concept of Instructional Design. Models, theories, trends, pitfalls, and anything you need to know, written from our Instructional Design experts.

June 7, 2015

Instructional Design Models And Theories: The Situated Cognition Theory And The Cognitive Apprenticeship Model

The Situated Cognition Theory, outlined by Brown, Collins, and Duguid in 1989, is centered around the idea that knowing is “inseparable” from actually doing and highlights the importance of learning within context. In the same year, Brown, Collins, and Newman also developed the Cognitive Apprenticeship Model, in which they identified several teaching methods for learning within context. In this article, I’ll briefly explain the basic principles of both the Situated Cognition Theory and the Cognitive Apprenticeship Model and I’ll give you some tips concerning the practical application of each in eLearning course design.
by Christopher Pappas
May 30, 2015

Instructional Design Models And Theories: The Cognitive Flexibility Theory

The Cognitive Flexibility Theory, introduced by Spiro, Feltovich, and Coulson in 1988, is about how learning takes place in “complex” and “ill-structured domains”. In essence, it’s a theory that strives to determine how the human mind can obtain and manage knowledge and how it restructures our existing knowledge base, based on the new information received. Research on the Cognitive Flexibility Theory has sought scientific evidence with respect to how knowledge is represented within the learner's mind, as well as which internal processes take place according to the mental representations we receive. In this article, I’ll briefly explain basic principles of the Cognitive Flexibility Theory and I’ll give you some ideas about its practical applications in the eLearning course design.
by Christopher Pappas
May 28, 2015

Behaviorism In Instructional Design For eLearning: When And How To Use It

How to write about the “benefits” of behaviorism when it is the learning approach that has received the most criticism? Behavioristic theories may sound out-of-date as, nowadays, everybody involved in Instructional Design for eLearning seems to favor constructivism. The incorporation of social media into eLearning course design has also opened new e-ways toward social learning, keeping “behaviorism” somewhere at the far end of the corridor, a scapegoat to blame for whatever we, as ”eLearning experts,” find not constructive enough. Then, why universities still bother teaching about behaviorism? Is behaviorism as old-fashioned as we consider it to be and by no means applicable in today’s digitalized world? In this article, I’ll try to give you some tips on how behaviorism can be applied in today’s Instructional Design for eLearning, and to explain for what type of eLearning activities it is more appropriate.
by Marisa Keramida (M.Ed.)
May 20, 2015

Instructional Design Models And Theories: Keller’s ARCS Model Of Motivation

John Keller is the founder of the ARCS Model of Motivation, which is based upon the idea that there are four key elements in the learning process which can encourage and sustain learners’ motivation. These four elements form the acronym ARCS of the model and stand for Attention, Relevance, Confidence and Satisfaction (ARCS). In this article, I’ll describe each one of them and I’ll share some of the eLearning strategies that eLearning professionals need to know in order to develop really engaging eLearning courses.
by Christopher Pappas
May 19, 2015

The eBook: How To Become An Instructional Designer

Is there a single path to become an Instructional Designer? What kind of previous experience do you need? Is Instructional Design an art or a science? In this eBook on "How To Become an Instructional Designer" 24 Highly-skilled Instructional Designers share their success stories. Enjoy your reading!
by Christopher Pappas
May 16, 2015

Instructional Design Models and Theories: The Component Display Theory

The Component Display Theory was introduced in 1983 by M. David Merrill to work alongside Reigeluth's Theory, with the first detailing the “micro elements” of an effective instructional design, though Reigeluth's theory the “macro elements”. The Component Display Theory soon gained popularity among instructional designers and in 1994 Merrill presented a new version of it, known as the Component Design Theory. In this article, I’ll go through its basic principles and how they can be applied to instructional design for eLearning.
by Christopher Pappas
May 12, 2015

Finding The Best Instructional Design Certificate Program: 7 Selection Criteria

As instructional designers, by nature, we have a constant thirst for knowledge. We always want to know more about learning behaviors, methodologies and technologies that can make the online educational experience even more powerful and engaging for our audience. In this article, I’ll shed some light on how you can find the best instructional design certificate program, so that you can take your understanding of eLearning course design and development to new heights.
by Christopher Pappas
April 29, 2015

Adopting Agile Approach For eLearning Development In Your Organization

Megan Torrance of Torrance Learning is one of the most well-respected thought leaders in the industry and is on the vanguard of applying Agile to e-learning development. I caught up with her recently for a Q&A about Agile and its applications. If you’re interested in moving to Agile and curious about the potential benefits and drawbacks, read on!  
by Andrew Winner