In this week's discussion, we will examine how instructional design is informed by student learning theory. Select one motivational and one learning theory and apply them to the instructional design process , you have access to the textbook on VitalSource and your nursing texts also include learning theories).
Identify the theories you selected
Explain why you are drawn to these theories.
In a practical/concrete way, discuss how they will inform your decisions as you design your online course.
How might these theories help you to quickly adapt your curriculum to current events (e.g. the pandemic) or changes in the health care system?
Full Answer Section
Concrete Applications:
- SDT:
- Choice and autonomy: Offer learners options in assignments, discussion topics, and learning paths.
- Competence: Design activities that allow learners to master skills and experience progress.
- Relatedness: Foster a sense of community through collaborative activities, peer feedback, and instructor interaction.
- Constructivism:
- Real-world context: Use case studies, simulations, and problem-based scenarios to apply learning to practice.
- Interactive activities: Implement quizzes, polls, discussions, and group projects to facilitate knowledge construction.
- Reflection and metacognition: Encourage learners to reflect on their learning process and engage in critical self-assessment.
Adapting to Change:
Both SDT and Constructivism provide strong foundations for adapting the curriculum to current events or healthcare system changes:
- SDT: The focus on intrinsic motivation ensures learners are engaged and adaptable, allowing them to readily apply their knowledge to new situations.
- Constructivism: The emphasis on active learning and critical thinking equips learners with the skills to analyze new information, solve problems, and adapt to evolving practices.
Examples:
- During the pandemic, the course could integrate case studies on emerging infectious diseases or challenges experienced by healthcare professionals.
- Changes in healthcare policy could be explored through simulations or debates, encouraging learners to critically evaluate and adapt their practices.
By incorporating these theories into my online course design, I aim to create a learning environment that fosters intrinsic motivation, active knowledge construction, and the ability to adapt to current changes in the healthcare field. Remember, these theories are not static - the key is to constantly reflect on and refine your approach to ensure your course remains relevant and engaging for your learners.
Sample Answer
Applying Motivational and Learning Theories to Online Course Design
For this week's discussion, I've chosen to explore the integration of two key theories: Self-Determination Theory (SDT) for its emphasis on intrinsic motivation, and Constructivism for its learner-centered approach to knowledge acquisition.
Why these theories:
- SDT: I'm drawn to SDT because it emphasizes building learners' intrinsic motivation, which goes beyond external rewards and grades. This aligns with my belief in fostering independent learning and lifelong intellectual curiosity.
- Constructivism: Constructivism resonates with me because it views learning as an active process of building knowledge through experience and interactions. This aligns with my goal of creating an engaging online course that encourages critical thinking and independent problem-solving.