Design approaches in technology enhanced learning

TL;DR

This paper discusses various design approaches for technology-enhanced learning environments, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary input and proposing patterns-based methods to address design challenges.

Contribution

It reviews existing design methodologies like Design Experiments and Design Patterns, advocating for a patterns approach in TEL development.

Findings

Patterns approach can effectively address design challenges in TEL

Design Science provides a valuable framework for TEL development

Multidisciplinary input is crucial for successful ILE design

Abstract

Design is a critical to the successful development of any interactive learning environment (ILE). Moreover, in technology enhanced learning (TEL), the design process requires input from many diverse areas of expertise. As such, anyone undertaking tool development is required to directly address the design challenge from multiple perspectives. We provide a motivation and rationale for design approaches for learning technologies that draws upon Simon's seminal proposition of Design Science (Simon, 1969). We then review the application of Design Experiments (Brown, 1992) and Design Patterns (Alexander et al., 1977) and argue that a patterns approach has the potential to address many of the critical challenges faced by learning technologists.