What is Learning Designs

This chapter argues that good design has to be at the heart of developing effective learning objects. It briefly outlines the “knowledge engineering” approach to learning objects based on metadata and packaging. The knowledge engineering approach, however, ignores the issue of how to design and develop pedagogically effective learning objects. The chapter concentrates on the central issue of the design and development of learning objects. The first part of the chapter outlines and illustrates key design principles. The middle part of the chapter examines how these can be embedded in an “agile” development methodology for developing learning objects. The following section shows how effective designs can be captured and made available in a tool to support the authoring and repurposing of learning objects. Finally, the chapter examines the wider picture linking learning objects and learning designs and points to the challenge of “layered learning design.”