Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories from edX

Technology, digital media, and mobile access have changed how people learn. Today’s students want to be engaged and self-directed with digital content, available anytime, anywhere. This is a challenge for instructional designers as they create online learning experiences.

In this course, you will step into the shoes of a learner and apply learning theories to your own personal experiences. You will explore various learning theories, examine related research, and practice applying these concepts to real-world problems you are interested in solving. Furthermore, you will learn about the trends and skills instructional designers use to analyze and solve instructional problems. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how learning works and learn to employ well-researched principles to tackle complex and diverse challenges that individuals face in their personal and professional lives.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to start developing your own learning solution.

Previous background in teaching or professional development is a plus but not required. Join us and launch your career as an instructional designer.

This course is part of the Instructional Design and Technology MicroMaster’s program from UMGC. Upon completion of the program and receipt of the verified MicroMaster’s certificate, learners may then transition into the full UMGC Master’s Program in Learning Design and Technology. See the MicroMasters program page for more information.

What you'll learn

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

Describe fundamental principles of learning theories, including behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, connectivism, and andragogy
Differentiate between learning theories and their implications for instructional design
Analyze the strengths and limitations of learning theories
Apply learning theories to a variety of contexts
Analyze learning experiences and instructional materials
Build an Instructional Design portfolio framework and showcase knowledge of learning theories
Identify a knowledge gap that can be addressed by creating a minicourse

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe fundamental principles of learning theories, including behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, connectivism, and andragogy
Differentiate between learning theories and their implications for instructional design
Analyze the strengths and limitations of learning theories
Apply learning theories to a variety of contexts

Analyze learning experiences and instructional materials
Build an instructional design portfolio framework and showcase knowledge of learning theories
Identify a knowledge gap that can be addressed by creating a minicourse

Describe fundamental principles of learning theories, including behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, connectivism, and andragogy
Differentiate between learning theories and their implications for instructional design
Analyze the strengths and limitations of learning theories
Apply learning theories to a variety of contexts
Analyze learning experiences and instructional materials
Build an instructional design portfolio framework and showcase knowledge of learning theories
Identify a knowledge gap that can be addressed by creating a minicourse

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction, Copyright, & the Creative Commons Week 2: Learning Theory: Behaviorism Week 3: Learning Theory: Cognitivism Week 4: Learning Theory: Constructivism Week 5: Learning Theory: Connectivism Week 6: Learning Theory: Andragogy Week 7: Assessment & Learning Models Week 8: Microlearning and Signature Assignment Submission

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Fits with learning design and technology career track

Relates learning theories to practical scenarios

Taught by industry experts with a strong reputation in instructional design

Provides a comprehensive understanding of learning theories

Covers a range of learning theories, including behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, connectivism, and andragogy

Suitable for those with varying backgrounds in teaching or professional development

Reviews summary

Theoretical pedagogy for ed tech

Learners say this course has interesting content that might be useful, especially for research scholars in educational technology. They are looking forward to designing their own course content.

Research scholars in educational technology may find the course's contents interesting.

"I found the contents of this course very interesting."

This course may be useful for research scholars in educational technology.

"Being a research scholar in educational technology , I found this course very useful."

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 Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories with these activities:

Organize and review course materials on a regular basis

Show steps

Stay organized and ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the course content.

Browse courses on Organization

Show steps

Create a system for organizing your notes, readings, and other course materials.
Review your materials regularly to reinforce your learning.
Identify any areas where you need further clarification or support.

Read 'Learning Theories' by David A. Kolb

Show steps

Get an in-depth understanding of different learning theories and how they can be applied in instructional design.

View The Experiential Learning Theory of Career... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Summarize each chapter in your own words.
Apply the theories to your own learning experiences.

Watch video tutorials on instructional design best practices

Show steps

Gain insights from experts and learn about industry-standard practices in instructional design.

Browse courses on Instructional Design

Show steps

Search for video tutorials on instructional design best practices.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on key takeaways.
Apply the best practices in your own instructional design projects.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Design an infographic on the key principles of instructional design

Show steps

Practice applying learning theories and principles to create visually appealing and informative materials.

Browse courses on Instructional Design

Show steps

Identify the key principles of instructional design.
Gather data and research to support your infographic.
Design and create the infographic using a tool like Canva or Adobe Illustrator.

Join a study group to discuss learning theories and instructional design

Show steps

Engage in collaborative learning, share insights, and receive feedback on your understanding.

Browse courses on Learning Theories

Show steps

Find a study group or form one with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials and work on projects together.
Provide feedback and support to your peers.

Solve practice problems on different learning theories

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of learning theories and their application through practical exercises.

Browse courses on Learning Theories

Show steps

Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
Check your answers and identify areas where you need improvement.

Design a lesson plan incorporating different learning theories

Show steps

Apply your knowledge of learning theories to create a practical instructional resource.

Browse courses on Lesson Planning

Show steps

Choose a topic and learning objectives for your lesson plan.
Incorporate different learning theories into the design of your lesson plan.
Develop activities and assessments that align with your learning objectives.
Evaluate your lesson plan and make revisions as needed.

Volunteer as a tutor or mentor in a local school or community center

Show steps

Gain practical experience in applying learning theories and principles while making a meaningful contribution to your community.

Browse courses on Instructional Design

Show steps

Find a local school or community center that offers tutoring or mentoring programs.
Apply to become a volunteer and undergo any necessary training.
Work with students or mentees to support their learning and development.

Career center

Learners who complete Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Instructional Designer

As an Instructional Designer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and delivering learning experiences. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the different learning theories, how to apply them to instructional design, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of your learning experiences. This course will also help you build a portfolio of your work that you can use to showcase your skills to potential employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Learning and Development Manager

As a Learning and Development Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of learning and development programs for your organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the different learning theories, how to apply them to learning and development programs, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of your programs. This course will also help you build a portfolio of your work that you can use to showcase your skills to potential employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning and Development Manager

Educational Consultant

As an Educational Consultant, you will work with educational institutions and organizations to help them improve their teaching and learning practices. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the different learning theories, how to apply them to educational settings, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs. This course will also help you build a portfolio of your work that you can use to showcase your skills to potential employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Instructional Technology Specialist

As an Instructional Technology Specialist, you will be responsible for integrating technology into teaching and learning. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the different learning theories, how to apply them to instructional technology, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of your instructional technology solutions. This course will also help you build a portfolio of your work that you can use to showcase your skills to potential employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Technology Specialist

Curriculum Developer

As a Curriculum Developer, you will be responsible for designing and developing curriculum for educational institutions and organizations. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the different learning theories, how to apply them to curriculum development, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of your curriculum. This course will also help you build a portfolio of your work that you can use to showcase your skills to potential employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Corporate Trainer

As a Corporate Trainer, you will be responsible for delivering training programs to employees in a corporate setting. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the different learning theories, how to apply them to corporate training programs, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of your training programs. This course will also help you build a portfolio of your work that you can use to showcase your skills to potential employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Trainer

User Experience Designer

As a User Experience Designer, you will be responsible for designing and developing user interfaces for websites, apps, and other digital products. This course may be useful for you because it will provide you with a foundation in learning theories. This knowledge will be helpful for you to understand how users learn and use your products.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Human Factors Engineer

As a Human Factors Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and evaluating products and systems to ensure that they are safe, efficient, and easy to use. This course may be useful for you because it will provide you with a foundation in learning theories. This knowledge will be helpful for you to understand how users interact with products and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Factors Engineer

Knowledge Management Specialist

As a Knowledge Management Specialist, you will be responsible for developing and implementing knowledge management systems for organizations. This course may be useful for you because it will provide you with a foundation in learning theories. This knowledge will be helpful for you to understand how people learn and share knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Knowledge Management Specialist

Technical Writer

As a Technical Writer, you will be responsible for writing clear and concise instructions, manuals, and other technical documents. This course may be useful for you because it will provide you with a foundation in learning theories. This knowledge will be helpful for you to understand how people learn and use your documents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Instructional Coach

As an Instructional Coach, you will be responsible for supporting teachers in their professional development. This course may be useful for you because it will provide you with a foundation in learning theories. This knowledge will be helpful for you to understand how teachers learn and teach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coach

Educational Researcher

As an Educational Researcher, you will be responsible for conducting research on teaching and learning. This course may be useful for you because it will provide you with a foundation in learning theories. This knowledge will be helpful for you to understand how people learn.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher

Professor

As a Professor, you will be responsible for teaching and conducting research in a higher education setting. This course may be useful for you because it will provide you with a foundation in learning theories. This knowledge will be helpful for you to understand how students learn.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Instructional Librarian

As an Instructional Librarian, you will be responsible for supporting students and faculty in their learning and research. This course may be useful for you because it will provide you with a foundation in learning theories. This knowledge will be helpful for you to understand how people learn and use information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Librarian

Educational Psychologist

As an Educational Psychologist, you will be responsible for conducting research on and providing support for students with learning disabilities. This course may be useful for you because it will provide you with a foundation in learning theories. This knowledge will be helpful for you to understand how students with learning disabilities learn.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Psychologist