Instructional Design

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

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 Behavioristic theories may sound out-of-date as, nowadays, everybody involved in Instructional Design for eLearning seems to favor constructivism.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
April 27, 2015

Top 10 Instructional Design Challenges in eLearning

An instructional designer’s job is multidimensional; in order to balance different role requirements, instructional designers may face a variety of challenges. In this article, I will share the top 10 instructional design challenges that eLearning professionals face when dealing with instructional design, and most importantly, how to overcome them.
by Christopher Pappas
April 20, 2015

Create Effective eLearning Interactions Using The CCAF Model

To design eLearning courses that are really interactive is not an easy task. Dr. Allen’s CCAF Model is a very useful tool for all instructional designers as it defines the characteristics a good interaction should have. In this article, I’ll give you an overview of the CCAF Model as well as some tips on how eLearning professionals may apply its principles to create effective interactions for their eLearning courses.
by Marisa Keramida (M.Ed.)
April 19, 2015

The Power Of AGILE Instructional Design Approach

The AGILE instructional design may have its roots outside of the world of eLearning, but it is now being widely used by Instructional Designers in all niches. In this article, I’ll share with you the basics of the AGILE instructional design approach and I’ll show you why it can be so powerful when designing eLearning courses.
by Christopher Pappas