Learning Experience Design: Theories and Frameworks from Coursera

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.

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.

Learning Theories that Inform Design

In Week 2 of the course, you’ll focus on different theories and perspectives on learning, and consider ways that these theoretical ideas can inform learning experience design. You will review ideas from overviews of three major learning theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism. You will note how different learning theories lead to different ideas about what constitutes learning, and what kind of activities can support learning. You will also look at some perspectives and theories about motivation. You will review ideas about extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, and review Self-Determination Theory to identify different dimensions that can motivate people. All of these ideas can help you see how you might design learning experiences in ways that can motivate learners.

Learning Taxonomies and Design Frameworks

In Week 3 of the course, you will look at different learning taxonomies (i.e., Bloom’s Taxonomy, Fink’s Taxonomy) that serve as ways of describing knowledge so that we can design learning experiences that include activities for learners that will help them gain that knowledge. You will also look at learning outcomes and see the characteristics of good learning outcomes to help you develop the outcomes that will be the foundation for a learning experience. Finally, you will look at learning design frameworks, which describe specific conceptual approaches that help you as you are shaping a learning experience. These three concepts–learning taxonomies, learning outcomes, and learning design frameworks–-are all related, and you will see the interplay between these to help you describe and develop learning outcomes and learning activities for your designs.

Ideation and Brainstorming

This week, you will explore the initial phases of the design process that involve brainstorming activities and developing the initial ideas for a new design. You will begin by looking at tools for these ideation and brainstorming activities. We will discuss conceptual tools and how they help articulate and concretize ideas, especially for ideation and brainstorming, and then later for outlining the learning experience you are designing. You will connect to our earlier discussions about the iterative nature of design to see how these tools support design by helping you describe your ideas in order to communicate them to the team and stakeholders, get feedback, and use this to refine and generate new ideas. You will then have a chance to reflect on how these types of activities and tools fit with the LXD core competencies as you think about how you can build these types of skills.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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