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Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories

Explore emerging learning theories and interactive technologies to create engaging experiences for today’s connected students.

...
Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories

Choose your session:

28,604 already enrolled!
Starts Aug 8
Ends Oct 2
Starts Jan 9, 2024
Ends Mar 5, 2024
Starts May 28, 2024
Ends Jul 22, 2024

Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories

Explore emerging learning theories and interactive technologies to create engaging experiences for today’s connected students.

Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories
8 weeks
8–10 hours per week
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule
Free
Optional upgrade available

Choose your session:

28,604 already enrolled! After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Aug 8
Ends Oct 2
Starts Jan 9, 2024
Ends Mar 5, 2024
Starts May 28, 2024
Ends Jul 22, 2024

About this course

Skip About this course

Technology, digital media and mobile access have changed how people learn. Today’s students want to be engaged and self-directed with digital content, available anytime, anywhere. This is a challenge for instructional designers as they create online learning experiences.

As an instructional designer, it’s critical to understand emerging learning theories including Bloom’s taxonomy and constructivism and how they relate to the way people learn in our digitally connected world. This course, which is part of the Instructional Design and Technology MicroMasters Program, explores the evolution of learning theories from traditional Socratic methods to emerging learning sciences. Additionally, you will explore curriculum design models using performance-based assessments to create effective and engaging learning experiences.

After a solid foundation of how people learn today, you will explore technology’s role in supporting and enhancing the teaching and learning process.

Previous background in teaching or professional development is a plus, but not required. Join us and launch your career as an instructional designer.

This course is part of the Instructional Design and Technology MicroMaster’s program from UMGC. Upon completion of the program and receipt of the verified MicroMaster’s certificate, learners may then transition into the full UMGC Master’s Program in Learning Design and Technology. See the MicroMasters program page for more information.

At a glance

  • Institutions: UMGCUSMx
  • Subject: Education & Teacher Training
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites:

    The program content and course projects are sequential, allowing the learner to build on subsequent work. Completing LDT100x is highly recommended before completing LDT200x-400x coursework. Basic experience in word processing and G Suite and a background in teaching, education, or professional development are helpful but not required.

  • Associated programs:
  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated skills: Taxonomy, Teaching, Bloom's Taxonomy, Constructivism, Digital Content, Design And Technology, Learning Sciences, Curriculum Development, Learning Design, Instructional Design, Self-Discipline, Learning Theory

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • To apply learning theories and their impact in the design of online learning
  • Technology’s role in the teaching and learning process
  • Curriculum design and how to apply Bloom’s taxonomy to engage students in the learning process
  • To write effective performance assessments and scoring rubrics

Week 1: Your Learning Environment
Week 2: Learning Theory: Behaviorism
Week 3: Learning Theory: Constructivism
Week 4: Learning Theory: Cognitivism & Connectivism
Week 5: Learning Theory: Andragogy
Week 6: Learning Approach Models: Authentic Assessment, Experiential Learning & Project-Based Learning
Week 7: Microlearning
Week 8: Your Learning Theory Approach to Design

About the instructors

Frequently Asked Questions

Skip Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a student have to apply to and complete the full UMGC degree?

To ensure that your program remains relevant and up-to-date, UMGC sets time limits for completing a program. Students have five (5) consecutive years from the start of the graduate degree to complete their degree. For students who start with a MicroMasters, their “time clock” begins on the date that they complete their last course in the MicroMasters program and receive their Verified Certificate. This means that students should apply to UMGC promptly to begin the degree and have as much time as possible to complete it.

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.

This course is part of Instructional Design and Technology MicroMasters Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
4 graduate-level courses
Instructor-led
Assignments and exams have specific due dates
8 months
8 - 10 hours per week

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