CE 406 Instructional Design Models and Learning Theories

 Blog Activity: M1 

We predicate much of what we learn on the information displayed to and presented to us. But what is a learning theory? Learning theories are abstract frameworks that describe how knowledge is received and processed during the learning experience. Beth Oyarzun and Sheri Conklin describe learning theories as to the foundation for designing instructional solutions to achieve desired learning outcomes. Ultimately, learning theories help instructional designers understand how people keep and recall information and stay motivated and engaged in learning. We have seen and know that 70 percent of what we learn comes from experience, 20 percent from other people around us, and 10 percent from courses and reading.  So why do so many teachers and instructors spend so much time teaching in the traditional learning environment? 

Instructional design is really kin to a construction project where you have skilled tradespersons on the job all working together to build a structure or dwelling. But the first part of the structure has to start with the blueprint, the designs. And like all buildings, they must pour the foundation of the building first in order for the structure to withstand the pressure and weight of all the other pieces that will follow. Instructional design isn't new, but it is a work in progress of learning how to best describe others to learn. Instructional design is a foundational part of the profession of instructional design dedicated to systematically improving the learning and performance outcomes of individuals completing a deliberate course of study. 

Here are the major learning theories that are most used today. 

 Behaviorist learning theory, cognitivist learning theory, and constructivist learning theory are the 3 main types of learning theories. 

The instructional theory is the idea that a student, the receiver of the knowledge, will learn when the lesson is designed in a way that relates to the student's needs, and a student can easily relate and use the materials provided for the lesson. 

The instructional design model provides guidelines for organizing appropriate pedagogical scenarios to achieve instructional goals. For example, the ADDIE, Dick and Carey, and The Kirkpatrick Model. The instructional model is used to define the activities that will guide the development of eLearning projects. It allows you to communicate the purpose and reason behind a strategy. (shiftlearning.com) ADDIE learning model is a very popular process for learning, but not the only model. Learning models can't be a "one size fits all" approach, but a tried and tailored approach to creating a model that works for the benefit of the learner(s). Systematically, the ADDIE process works for the learner, so that the designer can analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate the quality of the instructional products and processes.  I see this as an evolution that is continuous learning instead of linear. The learning has to develop and build from where we start and continue to grow as we continue to receive information and knowledge. 

In conclusion, instructional design models and learning theories are foundations to improving and sustaining learning in a changing environment. The learning is dynamic and not of a static trend of learning tools but capable of translation and transformation.