What are the key E-learning pedagogy principles and frameworks to follow?

1 ADDIE Model

One of the most widely used frameworks for E-learning design and development is the ADDIE model, which stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The ADDIE model is a systematic and iterative process that guides you through each stage of creating an E-learning course, from identifying the needs and goals of the learners and the organization, to designing and developing the content and activities, to implementing and delivering the course, to evaluating its effectiveness and making improvements. The ADDIE model helps you ensure that your E-learning course is aligned with the learning outcomes, meets the expectations and preferences of the learners, and is relevant and accessible.

2 Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction

Another useful framework for E-learning pedagogy is Gagne's nine events of instruction, which are based on the cognitive theory of learning. According to Gagne, there are nine events that must occur in order for learning to take place, and they are: gaining attention, informing objectives, stimulating recall, presenting content, providing guidance, eliciting performance, giving feedback, enhancing retention, and transferring learning. By incorporating these events into your E-learning course, you can stimulate the learners' motivation, attention, memory, and understanding, and help them apply their new knowledge and skills to real-world situations.

3 Bloom's Taxonomy

A third key principle for E-learning pedagogy is Bloom's taxonomy, which is a classification of learning objectives into six levels of cognitive complexity: remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create. Bloom's taxonomy helps you define and measure the learning outcomes of your E-learning course, and design appropriate content and activities that match the level of cognitive demand. For example, if your learning objective is to remember the main concepts of a topic, you can use quizzes or flashcards as E-learning activities. If your learning objective is to create a solution to a problem, you can use case studies or simulations as E-learning activities.

4 Universal Design for Learning

A fourth important principle for E-learning pedagogy is universal design for learning (UDL), which is an approach that aims to make learning accessible and inclusive for all learners, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or preferences. UDL is based on three principles: multiple means of representation, multiple means of engagement, and multiple means of action and expression. These principles mean that you should provide different ways of presenting the content, such as text, audio, video, or graphics; different ways of engaging the learners, such as choice, feedback, or collaboration; and different ways of assessing the learners, such as tests, portfolios, or presentations. By applying UDL to your E-learning course, you can cater to the diverse needs and interests of your learners, and enhance their learning experience and outcomes.

5 Constructivist Learning

A fifth key principle for E-learning pedagogy is constructivist learning, which is a theory that suggests that learners construct their own knowledge and understanding through active participation and interaction with the content, the instructor, and their peers. Constructivist learning emphasizes the role of the learner as an active agent in the learning process, rather than a passive recipient of information. To foster constructivist learning in your E-learning course, you can use strategies such as problem-based learning, project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, or collaborative learning. These strategies allow the learners to explore real-world problems, generate questions and hypotheses, conduct research and experiments, create solutions and products, and share and reflect on their findings and feedback.

6 Social Presence

A sixth and final principle for E-learning pedagogy is social presence, which is the degree to which learners feel connected and involved with the instructor and their peers in an online learning environment. Social presence is crucial for creating a sense of community, trust, and belonging among the learners, and for enhancing their motivation, engagement, and satisfaction. To increase social presence in your E-learning course, you can use techniques such as synchronous or asynchronous communication tools, such as chats, forums, or video conferencing; social media platforms, such as blogs, wikis, or podcasts; or gamification elements, such as badges, leaderboards, or avatars.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?