Re‐evaluating a model of learning design

Abstract

Learning can take place in a variety of different contexts. Two important categories of learning event are those which are contrived and those which are serendipitous. If they are to be optimally successful, the first of these types of event requires a level of planning that is commensurate with the outcomes that are to be achieved. Planning involves deciding upon what resources are to be used and how to embed ‘hallmarks of quality’ within the learning product that is finally created. Invariably, a number of models and/or methodologies are used to guide the creative processes that are involved in producing a learning event or product. This paper provides a historical perspective and reflection on a model of learning design that we have developed and which we have used successfully for creating interactive learning products for use in a variety of different contexts.

Acknowledgements

The work described in this paper was funded by a research grant from the European Community’s DELTA Research and Development Programme as part of Project D2012. The author is indebted to Simon Shaw, Martin Good and Liam Shanahan of Cambridge Training and Development Ltd, Cambridge, UK, for providing him with access to the model of learning design. He also wishes to acknowledge the contributions made to this work by Terry King, Susan Giller, Stephen Richards, Ashok Banerji and colleagues from the Human–Computer Interaction Laboratory at the University of Teesside. The material upon which this paper is based has been previously presented at the EDMEDIA 95 World Conference on Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia that was held in Graz, Austria. The Programme Committee awarded the paper an ‘Outstanding Paper Award’.

Notes

1. GST Multimedia, 1992, Timeworks Desk‐top Publishing Package, GST Multimedia, 91 High Street, Longstanton, Cambridge CB4 SBS, UK.

2. A. Sorenson, 1992, Suilleq – ‘The First’ – The Electronic Encyclopedia about Greenland, details from UNI‐C, The Danish Computing Centre for Research and Education, Olaf Palmes Allee 38, DK‐8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.