Design Framework for eLearning

The task of designing an effective framework for excellent elearning is not simple. From the readings provided, it would seem that Bloom's Taxonomy is the accepted model for transitioning students from lower order thinking to higher order thinking. However as this is only a conceptual framework, it lacks the how or the platform to provide the setting for such learning to take place. Which is how Engagement Theory comes into play. This theory supposes that students must be meaningfully engaged in learning activites through interaction with others and worthwhile tasks (Greg Kearsley & Ben Shneiderman). So, it would be sound pedagogical practice to combine the two, providing opportunities for students to travel up Blooms ladder and engage in problem-solving based learning to acquire deep knowledge and real world skills.


A quick overview of the theories.

Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning Domains
Bloom maintains that there is 3 types of learning; cognitive, (knowledge), affective (attitude) and psychomotor (skills). Bloom's main argument is that in order for learners to move from basic learning or lower order thinking, the learner must progress through a series of  steps to reach the ultimate goal of higher order thinking. Basically, in order for a learner to understand something they must be able to recall/remember it, in order for a learner to apply new knowledge they must have understand it, and so forth. (Blooms Taxonomy of Learning Domains). For the purposes of this task I will onlly use Bloom's cognitive domain.

Engagement Theory


Engagement Theory is a framework for technological based learning and teaching. Its aim is to engage the learner, using three principles of 'relate, create, donate'. That is, learning through group work, where works are project based, and projects are to have an outside focus. Kearsley and Shneiderman argue that the success of engagement theory is due to collaborative nature of work, focussing on ambitious goals that assist those outside the classroom.

The Task- design an effective framework for eLearning

As the teacher is the greatest influence in the classroom, and that no two students are the same, it would be important for me to provide a balanced approach to creating an effective eLearning pedagogy. So somethings I would do/consider are;

• An evaluation of the class standard of knowledg and skills, and further exploration of where individuals would sit within that realm. It would be poor practice to assume my class is homogenous in experience and skill. 

•  Consider the proportion of human contact to ICT contact and introduce varous mediums of digital devices.

• Design activities that allow for group and individual work, using ICTs to aid students form connections and build real world skills. Furthermore, incorporating ICT's as a learning tool and encourage students to take advantage of the many free applications. 

• Create assessments that allow the students to dictate the basis for research and provide the space for students to explore those concepts that interest them, ensuring relevance to the students themselves.

•   I believe that this framework gives me the space to include the learning styles and theories that we have been researching, and would incoporate these styles and theories in delivering this content, allowing students to 'climb' the cognitive ladder in their preferred learning style.