Instructional Design

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

March 4, 2014

21st Century Classrooms with 20th Century Learning Theories

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?
by Dorothy Kropf
February 27, 2014

Demystifying Competency Models - Just A.S.K.

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.
by Tracey M. Flynn
February 5, 2014

Cognitive Load Theory And Instructional Design

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.
by Christopher Pappas
January 7, 2014

What Is The Gestalt Psychology Theory? Principles And Examples

Gestalt psychology is a theory that examines how we humans perceive patterns and organize sensory information. The key idea is that we perceive things as unified wholes, rather than as individual parts. In this article, we explore the history, principles, and real-world applications of Gestalt psychology, showing how it influences various disciplines, such as psychology and design, as well as daily life.
by Christopher Pappas
December 22, 2013

Top Instructional Design Trends and Outlook for 2014

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.
by Catherine Davis
December 3, 2013

Instructional Design Models And Theories

What follows is not just a simple trip down the history of instructional design, its models and theories. Each of the following instructional design milestones has been chosen not only for its importance in the field of learning but also for its impact on future generations and various related disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, demography, and even biology and physiology.
by Christopher Pappas