Patterns
Patterns
This section of my writing is devoted to looking at instructional design through the lens of a “pattern language.”
As described at length in the “about” section , our aim is to provide a living, scholarly overview of the field of educational technology and online learning. For now we are going to organize this into the following eight areas.
Apps and Sites
This first section will cover applications, resources, and online collections that we identify as some of the best on the web. We are always soliciting suggestions for additional providers who serve as bellwether anchors for the field.
Tools
The hardware itself varies from desktop CPU’s to handheld devices, to in-class clickers and so on with the list growing daily. In this section we share some of the trends in this area and we describe some use cases that are interesting and effective.
Focus
In the text “How People Learn” Bransford, et al use four perspectives on the design of learning environments.[1] The following four sections of this site adopt that organizational structure.
Learner-centered environments
In this section we will share information that regards the needs individual students. If one is preparing a lesson aimed at middle school students, undergraduate gen-ed students, or practitioners returning for recertification the best use of technology and best strategies will vary dramatically. This represents the first consideration for all instructional; design: who is this made for?
Knowledge-centered environments
This section is directed at sharing best practice as is relates between different fields, whether math or science or auto mechanics, what technologies may assist instruction?
Assessment-centered environments
In this facet we share information that is geared toward outcome-based instructional design.
Community-centered environments
Finally it is crucial to see may learning scenarios succeeding or failing in proportion to the strength of a student’s cohort and the human interactions that change a dry subject into a meaningful living experience.
Recent entries
While this blog is organized to help designers of all stripes we also include a section for current updates and topics of all kinds on a daily basis.
About
An introduction to the author, Kevin Kvalvik, and the goals and purpose of this site.
[1] John D. Bransford et al., How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School (Natl Academy Pr, 1999), 141.
Interactive Patterns 