We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Wenhao David Huang

This course, Learning Technologies Foundations and Applications, is one of the two four-week MOOC courses that form part of Instructional Design MasterTrack Certificate.

After completing the course, you will be able to:

1. Identify suitable learning technology applications for problem-solving tasks.

2. Evaluate learning technology solutions based on Cognitive Load Theory and related multimedia learning design models.

3. Justify the selection of learning technologies for solving organizational problems based on evidence and best practices.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

COURSE ORIENTATION
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops understanding of major learning theories and provides foundational knowledge for instructional design
Guides design and development of effective, technology-enriched and -enabled learning environments (TEELE)
Provides a solid foundation for designing and developing learning technologies and environments
Suitable for individuals with interests in learning technologies and instructional design
May require additional knowledge and skills in learning technologies and instructional design

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Foundations in learning technologies and theory

According to learners, this course provides a strong theoretical foundation in learning technologies, particularly focusing on Cognitive Load Theory and various instructional design frameworks. Many appreciate it as an excellent introduction and a solid starting point for those new to the field or the MasterTrack program. Students generally find the course content well-structured and the concepts explained clearly. However, some reviewers noted the course is more theoretical than practical, wishing for more hands-on application or case studies. While seen as foundational, it may require additional study for deep practical skills.
Excellent starting point for the subject or series.
"Serves as an excellent introduction to the field of learning technologies."
"A very solid foundation for anyone starting the Instructional Design MasterTrack."
"It's a great first course if you're new to the concepts of instructional design theory."
"Perfect for beginners looking to understand the basics and context of learning tech."
Content is organized and concepts are clear.
"The course is very well structured with clear modules that build upon each other."
"Found the explanations clear and easy to follow, even for complex theoretical concepts."
"The weekly content is logically organized, making it easy to manage the learning load."
"Liked the modular format; bite-sized chunks made the information digestible."
Provides deep dive into core learning theories.
"This course provides an excellent theoretical foundation in instructional design, particularly focusing on Cognitive Load Theory."
"I enjoyed how this course delved into the theories behind learning technologies and instructional design frameworks."
"It lays a really solid theoretical groundwork, which is essential before diving into tools and applications."
"Learned a lot about the theoretical basis for designing effective learning environments, especially CLT."
More theoretical; less emphasis on practical application.
"While the theory is solid, I was hoping for more practical examples and hands-on application of the concepts."
"This course is very much theory-focused. If you're looking for practical skills immediately, you might need supplements."
"Good overview of theories, but could use more case studies or exercises applying frameworks to real-world scenarios."
"Felt like it provided a great 'why' but less of the 'how-to' in terms of actual technology implementation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learning Technologies Foundations and Applications with these activities:
Review Cognitive Load Theory
By reviewing Cognitive Load Theory, you can refresh your understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of this course and enhance your ability to apply it in practice.
Browse courses on Cognitive Load Theory
Show steps
  • Read the seminal paper by Sweller et al. (1998) on Cognitive Load Theory.
  • Summarize the key concepts of Cognitive Load Theory, such as working memory, schema, and expertise.
  • Identify examples of how Cognitive Load Theory can be applied to the design of learning technologies.
Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Learning Technologies Foundations and Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
E-Learning Developer
An E-Learning Developer designs, develops, and delivers online learning courses and programs. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of learning technologies, their affordances, and how to apply them in the development of engaging and effective e-learning experiences.
Learning Experience Designer
A Learning Experience Designer creates and develops engaging and effective learning experiences that meet the needs of learners. This course provides a foundation in learning technologies, enabling Learning Experience Designers to integrate technology seamlessly into learning experiences and enhance learner engagement.
Educational Technology Specialist
An Educational Technology Specialist applies their knowledge of learning technologies to solve educational problems and improve learning outcomes. This course provides the foundational understanding of learning technologies and their applications, enabling learners to make informed decisions about the use of technology in educational settings.
Technology Integration Specialist
A Technology Integration Specialist helps teachers and other educators integrate technology into their teaching and learning practices. This course provides a solid foundation in learning technologies, enabling Technology Integration Specialists to effectively guide educators in the use of technology to enhance student learning.
Instructional Technologist
An Instructional Technologist integrates technology into the teaching and learning process to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This course provides a solid understanding of learning technologies, their pedagogical applications, and how to evaluate their effectiveness in educational settings.
Learning and Development Manager
A Learning and Development Manager oversees the development and implementation of learning and development programs within an organization. This course provides insights into the use of learning technologies to create effective and engaging learning experiences that align with organizational goals.
Training Manager
A Training Manager oversees the development and delivery of training programs for employees within an organization. This course provides valuable insights into the use of learning technologies to create effective and efficient training solutions that meet organizational needs.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer plans, develops, and evaluates instructional materials and programs. This course helps build a foundation for this role by providing an understanding of learning technologies, their benefits, and how to use them effectively in the design and development of learning materials.
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer plans, designs, and develops educational curricula and materials. This course provides a foundation in learning technologies, enabling Curriculum Developers to integrate technology effectively into curricula and create engaging learning experiences.
Instructional Coach
An Instructional Coach provides support and guidance to teachers to improve their teaching practices. This course may be useful for Instructional Coaches who want to gain a better understanding of learning technologies and their applications in the classroom.
Chief Learning Officer
A Chief Learning Officer (CLO) is responsible for leading and managing the learning and development function within an organization. This course may be useful for CLOs who want to gain a deeper understanding of learning technologies and their strategic applications in driving organizational learning and performance.
Human Resources Manager
A Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing the human resources of an organization, including talent acquisition, development, and retention. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers who want to gain a better understanding of learning technologies and their applications in employee training and development.
Educational Researcher
An Educational Researcher conducts research on educational issues and practices to improve teaching and learning. This course may be useful for Educational Researchers who want to explore the use of learning technologies in educational research and evaluation.
Information Technology Manager
An Information Technology Manager oversees the planning, implementation, and maintenance of an organization's IT systems. This course may be useful for Information Technology Managers who are responsible for managing learning technologies.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, coordinates, and executes projects. This course may be useful for Project Managers who are involved in projects related to learning technology implementation or e-learning development.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learning Technologies Foundations and Applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of multimedia learning, including its history, theoretical foundations, and current trends. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the field and its potential applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of learning technologies, including its history, theoretical foundations, and current trends. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the field and its potential applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of educational psychology. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the psychological principles that underlie learning and teaching.
Provides a detailed overview of Vygotsky's theory of the zone of proximal development. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about this important theory of cognitive development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the research on how people learn. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the cognitive processes involved in learning.
Provides a detailed overview of the theory of situated cognition. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about this important theory of learning.
Provides a practical guide to using technology to enhance learning. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to use technology in the classroom.
Provides a practical guide to designing effective e-learning courses. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the principles of instructional design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of learning technologies. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the field and its potential applications.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser