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Rebecca Quintana, PhD and Chris Quintana

In Theories and Frameworks, you’ll take a close look at learners and learning contexts. As you define your target audience, you’ll learn how to use learner personas as a communication tool with stakeholders and how these can be used to influence learning goals, assessments, and activities.

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In Theories and Frameworks, you’ll take a close look at learners and learning contexts. As you define your target audience, you’ll learn how to use learner personas as a communication tool with stakeholders and how these can be used to influence learning goals, assessments, and activities.

Explore theories of learning and motivation that inform design. You’ll be introduced to learning taxonomies for defining learning outcomes, such as Bloom’s taxonomy and Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning. You’ll take a closer look at design frameworks, such as Backward Design, Integrated Course Design, and the ADDIE model.

Next, you’ll see examples of conceptual tools that can be used to support ideation, brainstorming, and course outlining. This course will include an immersive activity in which you’ll join learning experience design colleagues to develop, refine, and present project plans to stakeholders. By taking this course, you’ll gain experience mapping out a course design from start to finish and be well equipped to continue on in the series.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding Learners and Understanding Context
In Week 1 of the course, you’ll focus on developing a vision of the learner and of the learning context. You’ll revisit ideas from learner-centered design and the “designing for all learners” mindset we discussed in course one. Using a design process frame, you’ll consider the kinds of information you need to gather about your learner audience and context and identify approaches for analyzing this information. Finally, you’ll explore the role of learner personas in aiding decision making with project stakeholders.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Guides you through designing learning experiences with learning taxonomies and design frameworks
Develops a comprehensive picture of learner personas for understanding your students
Explores various theories of learning and motivation, providing a strong foundation for designing effective learning experiences
Offers a practical approach to designing learning experiences, with a focus on ideation, brainstorming, and course outlining
Requires significant background knowledge and experience in learning experience design
May not be suitable for beginners in the field of learning experience design

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Reviews summary

Foundational theories and frameworks for lxd

According to students, this course provides a solid theoretical foundation and introduces practical design frameworks essential for Learning Experience Design. Many found the content clear and well-structured, appreciating the explanations of concepts like Bloom's Taxonomy and the ADDIE model. The emphasis on understanding learners and creating learner personas was particularly highlighted as a valuable takeaway. While largely positive, a few suggest the course could benefit from more hands-on application exercises to complement its theoretical depth. Overall, it's considered an excellent stepping stone for those entering or advancing in the LXD field.
Collaborative project enhances practical planning skills.
"The immersive activity where we developed and presented project plans was a standout – it simulated real-world LXD challenges."
"Working with learning experience design colleagues on a project was invaluable for practical experience."
"The collaborative project was a highlight, although it required significant self-direction to maximize its benefits."
Content is well-explained and easy to follow for learners.
"The instructors explain complex theories in a very digestible way, making the content accessible even for newcomers to LXD."
"Lectures are well-paced and articulate, making it easy to absorb the foundational concepts quickly and effectively."
"I found the explanations clear and the examples helpful in illustrating how theories translate into practice."
Introduces applicable models for real-world design work.
"Learning about Bloom's and Fink's taxonomies, along with practical frameworks, has directly impacted how I approach curriculum development."
"The segment on learner personas and ideation tools was incredibly useful for mapping out course designs from scratch."
"I found the design frameworks, especially Backward Design, immediately applicable to my work projects."
Offers deep insights into core learning theories and models.
"I appreciated the deep dive into learning theories like Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism; it really contextualized my design approach."
"The course thoroughly covers essential theories and frameworks such as ADDIE and Backward Design, giving me a solid understanding."
"It's a great course for understanding the 'why' behind LXD, grounding practical skills in academic rigor."
Some learners desired additional hands-on exercises.
"While the theories are great, I wished for more hands-on activities or projects to apply the frameworks directly."
"The theoretical depth is strong, but a few more practical examples or case studies would have cemented my understanding."
"I felt the course was very theoretical; a little more guidance on how to implement these models in real scenarios would be helpful."

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 Experience Design: Theories and Frameworks with these activities:
Practice Ideation
Practice brainstorming and ideation to develop ideas for new learning experiences.
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Show steps
  • Review ideation techniques.
  • Brainstorm ideas.
  • Select the best ideas.
Explore Context
Revisit the ideas from learner centered design to refine the development of the vision of the learner and of the learning context.
Browse courses on Context
Show steps
  • Review learner centered design video.
  • Identify and review the information needed to gather and analyze about the learner audience and context.
  • Explore the role of learner personas in aiding decision making with project stakeholders.
Learner Personas
Develop learner personas to aid in decision making with project stakeholders.
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Show steps
  • Review examples of learner personas.
  • Develop at least two learner personas
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Review Bloomer's Taxonomy
In this course, we talk about how to define effective learning objectives. Reviewing Bloom's taxonomy will help you reinforce your understanding of this.
Browse courses on Learning Objectives
Show steps
  • Read through Bloom's Taxonomy website
  • Watch two videos on Bloom's Taxonomy
  • Identify verbs that align with each level of Bloom's Taxonomy
  • Complete a practice exercise
Bloom's Taxonomy, Fink's Taxonomy, ADDIE
Differentiate between Bloom's taxonomy, Fink's taxonomy, and the ADDIE model.
Browse courses on Learning Theories
Show steps
  • Read about Bloom's taxonomy, Fink's taxonomy, and the ADDIE model.
  • Review examples of each.
  • Create a table comparing the three.
Practice defining learning objectives
Writing good learning objectives is crucial in the field of education, and this course will help you do just that. This activity will help you practice applying Bloom's taxonomy.
Show steps
  • Using Bloom's Taxonomy, write learning objectives for a variety of topics
  • Share your learning objectives with a peer
  • Revise your learning objectives based off of feedback
Learning Theories
Review ideas from overviews of three major learning theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism.
Browse courses on Learning Theories
Show steps
  • Watch videos.
  • Read books.
  • Attend a workshop or seminar.
Learning Activity
Develop a learning activity that incorporates what you have learned about learning theories and design frameworks.
Browse courses on Learning Theories
Show steps
  • Review the learning theories and design frameworks.
  • Choose a topic.
  • Develop an activity.
  • Test your activity with a small group.
Design an instructional plan
This course will help you develop the skills to design effective instructional plans. Completing this activity will give you an opportunity to practice and apply the knowledge and skills you'll gain in this course.
Show steps
  • Identify the learning objectives for your instructional plan
  • Develop the activities and assessments for your instructional plan
  • Create a timeline for your instructional plan
  • Share your instructional plan with a peer
LXD in the Real World
Practice your LXD skills by volunteering to design or develop a learning experience for a non-profit organization.
Browse courses on LXD
Show steps
  • Research non-profit organizations.
  • Contact organizations to offer your services.
  • Develop a learning experience.
  • Implement and evaluate your learning experience.

Career center

Learners who complete Learning Experience Design: Theories and Frameworks will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers develop, deliver, and evaluate instructional programs for a variety of audiences. They use their knowledge of learning theories and principles to create effective and engaging learning experiences. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Instructional Designers. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to design and develop effective learning experiences for a variety of learners.
Learning and Development Manager
Learning and Development Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing learning and development programs for employees. They work with stakeholders to identify training needs, design and deliver training programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Learning and Development Managers. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to design and develop effective learning experiences for employees.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design and develop educational programs and materials for a variety of audiences. They work with subject matter experts to identify learning objectives, develop learning activities, and create assessments. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Curriculum Developers. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to design and develop effective learning experiences for a variety of learners.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants provide advice and guidance to schools, businesses, and other organizations on educational issues. They work with clients to identify needs, develop solutions, and implement change. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Educational Consultants. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to provide sound advice and guidance on educational issues.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human resources function for an organization. They work with employees to recruit, hire, train, and develop talent. They also work with managers to create a positive and productive work environment. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Human Resources Managers. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to develop and implement effective training and development programs for employees.
Training Manager
Training Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and delivering training programs for employees. They work with stakeholders to identify training needs, design and deliver training programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Training Managers. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to design and develop effective learning experiences for employees.
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coaches work with teachers to improve their teaching practices. They provide feedback, support, and resources to help teachers develop their skills and knowledge. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Instructional Coaches. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to provide effective coaching to teachers and help them improve their teaching practices.
Learning and Development Specialist
Learning and Development Specialists are responsible for developing and implementing learning and development programs for employees. They work with stakeholders to identify training needs, design and deliver training programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Learning and Development Specialists. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to design and develop effective learning experiences for employees.
Education Program Manager
Education Program Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and managing educational programs. They work with stakeholders to identify needs, develop curriculum, and implement programs. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Education Program Managers. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to design and develop effective educational programs.
Talent Development Manager
Talent Development Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing talent development programs for employees. They work with stakeholders to identify talent needs, design and deliver training programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Talent Development Managers. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to design and develop effective learning experiences for employees.
School Principal
School Principals are responsible for the overall leadership and management of a school. They work with teachers, staff, parents, and students to create a positive and productive learning environment. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for School Principals. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to lead and manage a school effectively.
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrators are responsible for the overall administration of a college or university. They work with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to create a positive and productive learning environment. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Higher Education Administrators. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to lead and manage a college or university effectively.
Chief Learning Officer
Chief Learning Officers are responsible for the overall leadership and management of learning and development for an organization. They work with stakeholders to identify learning needs, design and deliver learning programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of learning initiatives. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Chief Learning Officers. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to lead and manage learning and development for an organization effectively.
Professor
Professors are responsible for teaching and conducting research in a college or university. They work with students to create a positive and productive learning environment. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Professors. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to teach and conduct research effectively.
Education Research Scientist
Education Research Scientists conduct research on educational issues and develop new teaching and learning methods. They work with educators and policymakers to improve the quality of education. This course can help you build a foundation in learning theories, design frameworks, and learner analysis, which are all essential skills for Education Research Scientists. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to conduct research on educational issues and develop new teaching and learning methods.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Experience Design: Theories and Frameworks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of learning theories and instructional design principles, offering a solid foundation for understanding the course content.
This handbook delves into various theories and perspectives on motivation and learning, enriching the course's exploration of motivational factors.
Offers insights into cognitive load theory, helping educators understand how to design instruction that minimizes cognitive overload and optimizes learning.
While not directly related to learning experience design, this book provides valuable insights into innovation and disruption, which can inspire creative approaches to course design.
Provides practical guidance on designing learning experiences that align with cognitive principles and enhance engagement.
Offers a unique perspective on learning, emphasizing the importance of mindset, deliberate practice, and continuous improvement.
Introduces the Lean Startup methodology, encouraging experimentation and iterative design, which can be applied to the design and refinement of learning experiences.
Explores the use of gamification techniques to enhance learning engagement and motivation, offering insights for designing engaging learning experiences.
This seminal work provides the foundation for understanding social learning theory, which emphasizes the role of observation and modeling in shaping behavior and learning.
Reflects on the nature of teaching and learning, offering a philosophical perspective that can inspire and guide educators in their design of learning experiences.
Summarizes research on effective learning strategies, providing practical guidance for designing learning experiences that promote retention and understanding.
Provides a comprehensive overview of learning design principles and best practices, offering a theoretical foundation for the course content.

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