Enhancing online learning through insructional design: a model for the development of ID-based authoring tools

In this paper, a novel point of view in the online learning is provided by the integration of Instructional Design (ID) principles and procedures within the field of Educational Technology. In fact, actual educational technologies and tools do not adequately support teachers when creating, searching for and reusing Learning Objects (LOs); authoring processes are rarely personalized and pedagogical and contextual information is often left aside as well as the implementation of collaborative learning activities. So ID principles and procedures, which normally foster teachers to take the most adequate design choices, can provide a useful support if embedded in the interface of online learning authoring systems and tools. In this respect, Design Models can guide the creation of different types of LOs as well as lesson plans and activities referring to them, through a number of templates and representations. Also, LOs must have a detailed description with pedagogical annotations, in addition to standard metadata, and they should be categorized on the basis of their format so that design of personalized learning paths can be done. According to these premises, this contribution presents a model to develop a new generation of software systems and tools, embedding innovative ID methodologies. © 2009 by Knowledge Systems Institute Graduate School.