E-Learning Paths
From ElateWiki
One helpful concept in course design is the idea of an e-learning path. This refers to the holistic experience that a learner goes through in experiencing a curriculum or module. As a design tool, an "e-learning path" helps course designers and faculty back off from the finer details of the learning in order to get a macro-perspective.
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Learning Objectives
An important map of the learning is defined as learning objectives for a course.
Pre-Learning Assumptions
A curriculum often embeds assumptions of the learners in its design. Their prior knowledge and preferred language and cultural considerations may all feed into these assumptions. Sometimes, these assumptions are used to design not only the main curriculum but also the pre-learning modules that are part of the scaffolding (especially for novice learners).
Modular Learning
Modular learning refers to the sectioning of the learning into different developmental phases or topics.
Transitions between Modules
An e-learning path generally considers how learners transition between modules. There may be transition events or assessments or assignments that help learners move from skillset to skillset, concepts to concepts, or some mix of the learning outcomes to another.
Interactivity
How learners interact with their instructor or facilitator and each other is part of the e-learning path design. This considers what knowledge and attitudes learners will bring to the discussion and strives for ways to surface that in asynchronous (or synchronous) discussions online.
The Role of Assessments
An effective e-learning path has to be aligned, so the learning outcomes link to the assignments and activities and interactivity..to the assessments.
Learning Outcomes
Ultimately, the e-learning path considers learning outcomes or what learners take away in terms of attitudes, knowledge, and skillsets.