The didactic and pedagogical design of e‐learning in higher education: A systematic literature review. (9th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Theelen, Hanneke; van Breukelen, Dave H. J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer assisted learning. Volume 38:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 1286
• Page End: 1303
• Publication Date: 2022-06-09
• Subjects: design principles -- didactics -- e‐learning -- higher education -- pedagogy; Computer-assisted instruction -- Periodicals; 371.334
• DOI: 10.1111/jcal.12705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-4909

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Since about 2010 e‐learning has been embedded in educational practice and has become, surely due to the Covid‐19 pandemic, increasingly important. Objectives: Although much has been written about e‐learning, little is known about crucial didactic and pedagogical design principles for e‐learning. This review tried to fill that gap. Methods: Based on a systematic literature review, 42 studies (out of 1857 unique hits) were included that address e‐learning design in higher education. Open and axial coding was used for analysis. Results and conclusions: There were two continuums distinguished as important for e‐learning: (1) the active learning continuum and (2) the authentic learning continuum. Those continuums appear to be useful to give a visual representation of included studies through an active and authentic learning continuum. This resulted in four clusters with (slightly) different properties. These properties vary from a relatively low to a high level of authenticity, and from teacher to student centred. Analysis also revealed four crucial aspects for e‐learning design: (1) content scaffolding, (2) process scaffolding, (3) peer‐to‐peer learning, and (4) formative strategies. In general, most of the e‐learning approaches demand an educational design that facilitates authentic learning and self‐regulation. Takeaways: To help practitioners in realizing e‐learning design, this paper will provide some concrete suggestions and tips for e‐learning design. Furthermore, this research shows that more well‐founded research is necessary to gain more insight in didactic and pedagogical design principles for e‐learning. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic?: Many variations are possible in the use of technology in education, from improving face‐to‐face education with technologies to fully technologically enhanced education. E‐learning can take place on a continuum from real‐time interaction (synchronous) to fully asynchronous interaction. Didactics and pedagogy are important for e‐learning design. What this paper adds?: An active and authentic learning continuum. An overview of what is known about the didactic and pedagogic design of e‐learning. Suggestions for practitioners for e‐learning design. Implications for practice and/or policy: E‐learning design should facilitate active and authentic learning. Content and process scaffolding appear to be important for e‐learning design. Peer‐to‐peer learning appears to be important for e‐learning design. Formative strategies appear to be important for e‐learning design.