E-Learning, Instructional design theories and models
The best e-learning design experts need to be knowledgeable about instructional design theories and models. The knowledge of and expertise in the top instructional design theories and models are essential for creating the best quality content. Expert e-learning design experts create relatable content according to the target audience.
Instructional design theories and models give dependable insights into how the human mind works in terms of assimilating, absorbing, and retaining information. Here are the instructional design theories and models.
1) Situated cognition theory
Although not popular, the situated cognition theory is still applicable today. The theory is built on the idea that e-learning and learning is directly related to doing. The theory suggests that ideas learned should be applied within a well-established context.
According to the theory, learning is social and should be involved with group problem-solving tasks and discussions.
2) The ADDIE model
ADDIE is an acronym for analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate. This theory is focused on the development of learning content rather than learning behaviors. The factors that make up this model guide instructional design (ID) experts to build high-quality content.
ID professionals are equipped to create content according to identified needs, goals, and objectives with this model.
3) Sociocultural learning theory
This theory has three core elements: language, culture, and the zone of proximal development. The focus of this theory is how the environment of a learner plays a significant role in learners' experiences.
According to this theory, the peers of a e-learner can play a significant role in how the learner perceives the course.
4) Individualized instruction
This theory focuses on learning and digital learning on an individual level. The individualized instruction theory focuses on allowing learners to follow learning content at a personal pace. The theory also focuses on adapting learning content for a variety of learning preferences.
The individualized instruction theory focuses on four core concepts.
They are the ability of the learner to work autonomously, assessments that examine learners' progress after each lesson, improved social interactivity with facilitators' support, and the application of written learning materials instead of presentations.
5) The SAM model
This model focuses on the ability of instructional designers to apply multiple iterations and small steps in modifying e-learning content. With this model, the stages of digital learning content development are the preparation stage, the iterative design phase, and the iterative development phase.
While the preparation phase focuses on gathering information, during the iterative design and development phases, the content is created and reviewed.
Flexible designs are created, and rapid changes are made to the project as necessary.
6) Merrill's principles of instruction
The focus of Merrill's theory is on how learning can be facilitated and is task-focused. According to this theory, the four phases of learning are important for facilitation. These four phases of learning are demonstration, application, activation of old knowledge, and the integration of real-world challenges.
According to this theory, scaffolding is critical for learning facilitation. Scaffolding refers to the introduction of complex ideas to learners as the lesson progresses.
7) Bloom's taxonomy of learning objectives
This theory focuses on the cognitive domain rather than memorization. This theory also highlights core processes in a hierarchical order. The hierarchical order of these processes remembers understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating.
This theory also considers the main three learning domains as affective, cognitive, and psychomotor.
8) Finding the right instructional design theories and models
Instructional designers should identify the most suitable model or theory for every form of learning content. The design theory and model should align with the learners' demographics and the client's objectives. The knowledge of instructional design theories and models helps designers establish their careers.
Clients get to trust designers better because of their knowledge and application of instructional design theories and models.