Technology

Media Choice: Learners should be presented with multiple means of media since every learner is different. If a course design takes different learning preferences into consideration, it will be more effective in engaging the student with the content.

Accessibility and Universal Design: Making sure that the course can answer different learning needs is an important aspect. Students with physical disabilities as well as learning disabilities have to be considered. Also, the course should be “accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability”. I think that would also include learners coming from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.

Problem-Based Learning: Rather than the instructor directly presenting the content and mere lecturing, students should be presented with a problem related to the content and use their critical thinking skills individually and as a group to come up with solutions to that problem. Learning would be more practical and memorable that way.

Gamification: Having excitement and fun while learning is a great motivator for learners and it should be considered by instructional designers while developing eLearning modules. Games are great ways to ensure student engagement as long as they are appropriate for the learner types we have.

Alternative Assessments: Rather than giving traditional assessments like multiple choice tests and quizzes, online learners should be given alternative ways of showing their understanding such as collaborative projects, video presentations and storytelling, or case studies and discussions. Instead of only the instructor giving feedback to the learner, peer-review should also be encouraged.