Week 6: Learning Theory/ID Models & Opening Presentation

Reflection on Learning Theory

Question 1: Which learning theory (or theories) did you find most influential in shaping the design and objectives of your minicourse, and how did it guide your decisions regarding content, activities, and assessments?

Reflection: In designing the Meditation Practice for Beginners minicourse, Constructivism and Behaviorism were the most influential learning theories. Constructivism guided the creation of interactive and reflective activities, such as guided practice sessions and reflection journals, allowing learners to build new knowledge based on their experiences. Behaviorism influenced the repetitive practice and reinforcement strategies, such as daily meditation planners and habit trackers, to help learners develop consistent meditation habits.

Reflecting on the development of your minicourse, how did integrating principles from a specific learning theory enhance the learning experience for your target audience? Can you provide examples of how this theory influenced the instructional strategies or technologies you chose to use?

Integrating Constructivist principles enhanced the learning experience by encouraging active participation and personal reflection. For example, the use of reflection journals allows learners to document their meditation experiences and progress, fostering a deeper understanding of the practice. Behaviorist principles were applied through the inclusion of guided audio sessions and printable guides, providing clear instructions and immediate feedback to reinforce learning.

Reflection on Instructional Design Models

Question 2: Which instructional design model did you primarily follow in the development of your minicourse, and how did its specific phases or components influence the structure, content, and delivery methods of your course?

The ADDIE model was primarily followed in the development of the minicourse. The Analysis phase helped identify the learners' needs and knowledge gaps, guiding the content creation. The Design phase structured the course into clear, manageable modules. The Development phase involved creating multimedia content, such as video lectures and guided meditations. The Implementation phase focused on delivering the course through an asynchronous online platform, and the Evaluation phase included self-assessment quizzes and reflection prompts to monitor progress.

Question 2: Considering the instructional design model you applied, what were the most significant challenges and benefits you encountered in aligning your course design with this model? How did this model facilitate or hinder your ability to meet your learning objectives and address the needs of your learners?

One significant challenge was ensuring that the content remained engaging and accessible for all learners, given the self-paced nature of the course. However, the ADDIE model's structured approach facilitated the creation of a comprehensive and well-organized course. The iterative Evaluation phase allowed for continuous improvement based on learner feedback, ensuring that the course effectively met its learning objectives and addressed the needs of diverse learners.

Opening Presentation Screencast:

Please access the screencast HERE or by clicking on the video below.