Design Principles for Online Instruction: A New Kind of Classroom

Strategies for Learning

Foley, T., & Toporski, N. (2004). Design principles for online instruction. TOJDE. (Vol 5. No. 1)

A New Kind of Classroom

Teacher Facilitated Center learning around the student Focus on the needs and strengths of the students Provide just-in-time and anywhere-anytime

learning Foster collaborative learning environments Emphasize authentic learning experiences

Strategies for Learning

Make it interactive Active rather than passive participant Encourage discovery and experimentation Activity based instruction promoting multiple

representations of knowledge

Strategies for Learning

Keep it engaging and motivating Incorporate novel events Pose questions or problems to solve Vary the elements of instruction Use examples related to learners prior

experiences

Strategies for Learning

Put things in context Meaningfully connect new information with prior

knowledge

Strategies for Learning

Maintain Diversity Incorporate various forms of media

Text Illustrations Animations Video Audio Simulations

Strategies for Learning

Use Collaborative Strategies Mutual engagement of participants in an effort to

solve problems together Shared learning opportunities

Strategies for Learning

Reduce cognitive load Chunk information Focus attention to coincide with explanations Reduce information “overload” Provide appropriate support

Strategies for Learning

Provide adequate scaffolding Teacher models the desired learning strategy or

task, then gradually shifts responsibility to the students

Conscious attempt to foster independent and higher-order thinking skills