Instructional Design Theories

Instructional Design Theories, models, trends, pitfalls, infographics and anything you need to know, written from our Instructional Design experts. The concept of Instructional Design.

June 25, 2016

5 Tips To Apply The Repair Theory In eLearning

Mistakes and experience are two of the most effective teachers. Every error we make brings us one step closer to reaching our true potential, but only if we treat them as opportunities to grow. In this article, I’ll offer 5 tips on how to apply the Repair Theory in eLearning.
by Christopher Pappas
June 22, 2016

5 Tips To Use The Triarchic Theory In Online Training

Acquiring and assimilating new information involves a multitude of firing synapses, mental schema, and memory banks. In other words, it’s more complicated than it looks. In this article, I’ll explain the 3 components of the Triarchic Theory, as well as 5 tips on how to use its principles in online training in order to boost knowledge retention and draw upon the experience of your corporate learners.
by Christopher Pappas
April 9, 2016

Applying The Flow Theory In Online Training

Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi, the noted psychologist and professor who introduced the Flow Theory, described it as "the holistic experience that people feel when they act with total involvement" [1]. This just about sums up the mental state that all eLearning professionals strive for when we are creating online training courses. In this article, I'll highlight the 4 components and the 8 dimensions of the Flow Theory, and I'll share the importance of achieving optimal flow in online training.
by Christopher Pappas
April 4, 2016

Following A Discovery Learning Approach To Instructional Design

We humans are curious creatures. We are always striving to learn more about ourselves and the world around us, and seize every opportunity to soak up new knowledge. Discovery Learning capitalizes on this fact by encouraging learners to explore the subject matter. In this article, I'll share the ideologies and objectives of the Discovery Learning approach, as well as tips that can help you apply it in Instructional Design.
by Christopher Pappas
March 12, 2016

The Self-Determination Theory In Online Training: A Practical Guide

As the famous Dwight D. Eisenhower once said: “Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” Motivating corporate learners is one of the greatest challenges that Instructional Designers face. However, the Self-Determination Theory may be able to help you create inspiring, engaging, and emotionally-centered online training experiences that capture the true essence of motivation.
by Christopher Pappas
March 6, 2016

5 Tips To Integrate Anchored Instruction In eLearning

Anchored Instruction in eLearning gives eLearning professionals the opportunity not only to spark online discussions and introduce the topic, but also to explore the subject matter at length by combining face-to-face instruction and collaborative eLearning activities. In this article, I will discuss the basics of Anchored Instruction in eLearning, and I'll offer 5 tips on how to use it in your eLearning course design.
by Christopher Pappas
February 17, 2016

How Health Behavior Theory Can Inform Instructional Design

Smoking, unhealthy eating, and excess drinking all represent risks to our long term health, yet they are commonplace in today’s society. These are just a few examples of common behaviors that are counterproductive to individuals’ long term health. Given this paradox, researchers have developed theories to attempt to explain these behaviors and how best to change them. One of these is the Health Behavior Theory (HBT).
by Adam Gavarkovs
February 15, 2016

The Theory Of Mind, Empathy, And Mindblindness In eLearning

Being aware of differing perspectives and how our emotional states and beliefs shape us is an essential social skill. It also allows us to communicate more effectively and collaborate with others in our personal and professional lives. In this article, I'll share 5 tips on how the Theory of Mind, Empathy, and Minblindness can transform your eLearning experiences.
by Christopher Pappas
January 23, 2016

Transfection (Trans- +[In]Fection) As Teaching: What Molecular Biology Has In Common With eLearning

What is the relationship between eLearning and transfection? Unlike social media, eLearning is more controlled, which prevents it from “going viral”; however, it can be transfected to a learner. Focus on Instructional Design marks an edu-tectonic shift to course content, delivery, and design in an effort to make the most lasting effect on learners. Ideal Instructional Design combines content, context, and personalized material in educational learning payloads.
by Carrie Bailey