e-Learning Foundations

Understanding e-learning foundations is important for successful participation. Before proceeding with electronic learning (e-learning), either as a learner, developer, or educator, one should ask the following pertinent questions:

1. What is the theoretical basis for designing and developing content?
2. What role do learning theories such as behaviorism, cognitivsm, or constructivism play in the development process?
3. What instructional design models best fit the development process?
4. What role does information and communication technology (ICT) play?

In response to these questions, the following are presented:

1. Definition and history of instructional design and technology
2. Advantages and disadvantages of e-learning
3. Learning theories and models
4. Learner types and learning styles
5. Learning Objectives
6. Glossary

Learning theories, which include behaviorism cognitivsm, and constructivism, are the psychological foundation of instructional design and technology (ID&T). Within this spectrum, certain principles guide learning: Learning as an active process; Metacognition and the personal construction of knowledge; Learning as a contextual process; Learning as a social activity; and Relevance of motivation in the learning process. Many of these topics would be covered in an education degree program. Interested in earning a degree in this area? There are quite a few online masters and doctoral programs that offer coursework that leads to a career in e-learning. These include:

• Capella University
• Walden University
• Kaplan University
• University of Maryland University College
• University of Illinois
• Western Governors University
• Full Sail Real World Education
  

The goal of instruction is to develop independent self-directed learning environments that utilize a range of cognitive and technological structures in order to transfer learning to new contexts. Learning depends on ICTs which include computers, the Internet and mobile technologies. Whether you are a learner or an educator, it is important to prepare for this environment, whether it is an online or face-to-face instructional setting. There are various skills sets based on e-learning foundations and knowledge that directly relate to this teaching and learning environment or seeking a career in e-learning.

Please note that we have a privacy statement that we do adhere to strongly.