Using Learning Design

for Innovative eTeaching

James Dalziel

Professor of Learning Technology &

Director, Macquarie E-Learning Centre Of Excellence (MELCOE)

Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

james@melcoe.mq.edu.au

www.melcoe.mq.edu.au

Presentation for ALTC National Teaching Fellowship

Recorded Version of Mid 2012 National Workshops

Overview

• Part 1: What is Learning Design?

• Part 2: LAMS case study

• **Part 3: Current Issues in Learning Design

Acknowledgement: ALTC National Teaching Fellowship

Support for this activity has been provided by the Australian Government Office for

Learning and Teaching. The views expressed in this activity do not necessarily reflect the

views of the Australian Government Office for Learning and Teaching.

Current Issues in Learning Design

• Templates vs “embedded content”

– Direct re-use vs “inspiration” (cf patterns and the creative leap)

– Are textbook publishers the missing (content) link?

• From Learning Design to Curriculum Design

– Different “levels” of Learning Design – a task (1-10 minutes); a

module/sequence (1 hour/1 day/1 week); a course (2-13

weeks), an institutional approach (eg, medical degree)

– Recent JISC projects, especially Viewpoints and OULDI

• Linking activity descriptions to pedagogical descriptions

– LDSE/Learning Designer project from London Knowledge Lab

Current Issues in Learning Design

• Challenges include:

– Lack of general awareness of Learning Design field

– Confusion over differences between Instructional Design and

Learning Design, and “US” vs “European” approaches

– Time demands required for implementation

– Unrecognised amid the “noise” of education technology

• LD is a “deep” innovation, but harder to explain than a “clicker”

• But significant opportunities around educational reform,

especially ideas like 21st Century skills; Generic

Attributes of a Graduate; the “flipped” classroom

Current Issues in Learning Design

• Where to next?

– The field is making good progress on fleshing out the large

“landscape” of issues covered by Learning Design

• See especially new Laurillard and Conole Learning Design books

– Broad adoption yet to occur – do we need more:

• Templates with better advice? (eg, Practical eTeaching Strategies)

• Content (collaboration with publishers?)

• Simplicity in Learning Design tools?

• Marketing?

• Regardless of immediate ups and downs, Learning Design has

much to contribute in the future

– As its goals are the same as those of a typical educator each day