Hello, and welcome to EDCI 335 (A01) for Fall 2025. I am looking forward to learning with you as we explore the principles and practices of designing effective learning experiences in technology mediated environments over the coming semester.

In the months ahead, we will examine key concepts in learning design, explore how technology can support and shape learning, and apply these ideas to create engaging learner centred resources. You will use your blog to share your reflections, connect with peers, and document your learning throughout the course.

This is an online and asynchronous course, which means we will not meet as a full class in real time. It will be important to stay organized and engaged with the course materials, assignments, and module activities. This course site will provide all the information you need to succeed.

A new module will be posted approximately every two weeks, as outlined in the course syllabus. I will use this space to share learning resources, activities, and updates, so please check regularly for your next steps.

Here is the schedule for each module

  • Module 1: September 3 to September 16 (2 weeks)
  • Module 2: September 17 to September 29 (2 weeks)
  • Module 3: October 1 to October 14 (2 weeks)
  • Module 4: October 15 to October 28 (2 weeks)
  • Module 5: October 29 to November 18 (3 weeks)
  • Module 6: November 19 to December 3 (2 weeks)

Regarding course assignments:

  • All assignments will be submitted to Brightspace
  • Due dates are posted on Brightspace and Course Syllabus.
  • The due dates are at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Important: Your first assignment, Blog Post 1, is due on September 16 at 11:59 p.m. If you follow the first module and complete the readings, it will be straightforward. Please ensure you review the Blog Post Checklist, follow the setup guides for your OpenETC accounts, and reach out if you have any questions.

I truly value giving quick feedback to students, as it is best to receive feedback on your work when it is ‘still fresh in your mind.’ Therefore, I set aside time within my schedule after each due date to assess your work. You must submit your work on time so that I can assess your work within the time allotted to assess your work. That being said, I am very understanding and can be flexible if spoken with days before the deadline. If you need extra time or support, please let me know early so that I can best support you in your learning.

It may seem like a lot to do in this first module, but it is mainly about introductions, housekeeping, and getting organized for the modules ahead. You have just over two weeks to complete these materials, so do not leave everything until the final evening because some tasks, such as setting up your blog, will take longer to complete.

I want to ensure that everyone knows I am available, supportive, and want everyone to succeed. Please contact me on Mattermost with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Module One Topics

Foundations of Learning Design

Learning is the process of acquiring and applying new knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It happens in many ways, including formal study, informal experiences, and social interaction. Understanding how people learn is essential for creating effective learning experiences. In EDCI 335, we explore this by looking at learning theories, brain research, motivation, and design thinking.

Learning Theories and the Brain

Learning theories explain how people take in, process, and use information. Behaviourism focuses on observable behaviours and reinforcement. Cognitivism examines mental processes such as memory and problem solving. Constructivism emphasizes building knowledge through active engagement and connection to prior experiences.

Neuroscience adds another layer by helping us understand the brain’s role in learning. It is important to separate research-based knowledge from neuromyths, which are common but incorrect beliefs such as the idea that people only use ten percent of their brain or that everyone is either left brained or right brained. These myths can lead to ineffective teaching strategies. By applying accurate neuroscience and solid learning theory, we can make design choices that better support how people actually learn.

From Theory to Design

Theories are not just abstract ideas. They guide the way we design learning activities. For example, a constructivist approach might lead us to create collaborative projects, while a cognitivist perspective might focus on organizing information into smaller, manageable chunks to reduce cognitive load. In this course, you will practice applying these theories directly to technology mediated learning environments.

Motivation and the ARCS Model

Motivation is a key factor in whether learning is successful. The ARCS Model provides four elements to build motivation:

  • Attention involves capturing interest with engaging and varied activities.
  • Relevance means connecting the material to learners’ goals and needs.
  • Confidence helps learners believe they can succeed through clear expectations and achievable challenges.
  • Satisfaction comes from providing meaningful rewards or recognition for progress and achievement.

When we design with motivation in mind, learners are more likely to stay engaged and complete their work.

Adult Learners and Prior Knowledge

Adult learners bring their own experiences and perspectives to the learning environment. Effective design recognizes this prior knowledge and uses it as a foundation for new learning. At the same time, design should challenge learners to expand their understanding, think critically, and apply concepts in new situations.

Design Thinking in Education

Design thinking is a creative and human centred process used to solve problems. In education, it encourages us to focus on learner needs, brainstorm multiple solutions, and test ideas through prototyping and feedback. The process typically moves through stages of empathy, defining the problem, ideating, prototyping, and testing. By using design thinking, educators can create learning experiences that are innovative, adaptable, and responsive to the people they serve.

Readings/Videos/Podcasts

Tasks/Activities: You are expected to complete all the tasks below by Tuesday, September 16th (unless otherwise specified).

Review the Course Outline. It outlines what we are doing throughout each module and the assignments. 10 minutes (approximately)
Read the AI policy. Please ask me if you have any questions! 3 minutes (approximately)
Watch the Module 1 video. There is a reflection prompt included in the video that you will need to complete as part of your Community Contributions assignment, so please watch carefully and take note of the prompt when it appears. 20 minutes (approximately)

Please note: these reflections must be completed during the module (cannot be submitted late).
You will need to create an OpenETC blog. If you have one created from a previous course, you may use it. However, if you have not created a blog before, here are some resources to get you started.
Important: It will be really important to ensure that you have completed the guides and steps outlined above. This will ensure that you are on the right path for your blog posts, personal learning network (PLN) engagement, and working towards your Community Contributions assessment.
You will need to create a Mattermost account. We’ll be using Mattermost to support group collaboration and course communication. Please check the Course Outline or BrightSpace for the Mattermost access link. You can follow the guides below to get started.
Task: Once you join, please say hello and introduce yourself (this could also be a great opportunity to let others know if you are looking for a PodGroup to join!)
Important: Please ensure that you sign up for Mattermost within the first couple of days. I will be sending out important information and reminders through this platform. It is also a space where you can ask questions and connect with your PodGroup members.
You need to complete a Learning Pathways survey (part of your community contributions assessment), which will help me learn more about you and provide the rest of the course with a link to your blog. 10 minutes (approximately)
We need to create our PodGroups for this term. You will complete the Learning Design Blueprint and Interactive Learning Resource assignments in these groups. Please put your name and email in the document. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this format. You need to do this by September 16th (end of Module 1). If you know who you want to be in a group with, super fast (1 minute!).

If you don’t know who you want to be in a group with, this is a great opportunity to reach out in Mattermost to introduce yourself and ask if anyone would like to join a group with you.
Review this information on what to include in your blog posts. There is a checklist of things you should include (in addition to your nicely written, detailed, informative, and supported work) with tutorials.
Review the information, rubric, and criteria for Blog Posts. 10 minutes (approximately)
Review the information, rubric and criteria for Community Contributions. 5 minutes (approximately)
Blog Post #1: For your first blog post in EDCI 335, I would like you to introduce yourself to the class. Please include your name, program of study, year, and any experiences you would like to share that have shaped your educational journey. In addition, you can reflect on the following topics (You do not need to respond to every prompt directly, but by the end of your post you should demonstrate an understanding of each of the topics listed below):

– Your Understanding of Learning: Learning can be defined in many ways and shaped by personal experiences. How do you define learning based on your own background? Share an example of a time when you learned something effectively and explain what made it work for you.
– Learning Theories and How You Learn Best: We will be exploring theories such as behaviourism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Which approach do you think aligns most closely with your learning style and why? How has this approach influenced how you participate in educational experiences?
– Motivation in Learning: The ARCS Model outlines four elements of motivation in learning: attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction. Which of these is most important for keeping you engaged? Share an example of when motivation played a key role in your success as a learner.
– Adult Learning and Prior Knowledge: Adult learners bring prior knowledge, skills, and life experience into the classroom. How do you see your own prior knowledge influencing the way you approach new learning? Give an example of when past experience helped you understand or apply new ideas.
Submit your Blog Post #1 URL to Brightspace

If you have any troubles with the content of this module, please connect with me, and we can find ways to troubleshoot together! I am always more than happy to help support your learning as we continue our learning through our EDCI 335 course.