Digital learning tools are central to the modern learning environment and can be used to replace, supplement, and transform traditional learning activities. With the growth of the EdTech market on the rise and educational institutions and governments investing in these technologies, it is crucial to understand how companies design effective digital tools. Specifically, we aim to understand the learning theories companies hold and how these theories guide the design of the digital tools they create.
Simply, a learning theory is just an explanation or model of how learning occurs. When creating digital learning tools, developers imbed the learning theories they hold into the design of their tools. A wide range of learning theories and instructional strategies are used to design digital learning tools. We as researchers need to work with companies creating learning tools to understand the learning theories they hold and how they build them into their digital learning tools.
Simply, a learning theory is just an explanation or model of how learning occurs. When creating digital learning tools, developers imbed the learning theories they hold into the design of their tools. A wide range of learning theories and instructional strategies are used to design digital learning tools. We as researchers need to work with companies creating learning tools to understand the learning theories they hold and how they build them into their digital learning tools.
Related Conference Presentation:
Montazami, A., Dubé, A. K. (2023). Study of the Most Popular Learning Theories Guiding Educational Apps. Poster presentation at AERA 2023 Annual Conference, Chicago.
An underlying learning theory that guides the design of an educational app is one of the most important research-based indicators of app quality. A systematic analysis was conducted to obtain an overview of the most common learning theories/ pedagogical approaches reported in recent research on learning through PreK-12 educational apps. The systematic review identified behaviorism and constructivism respectively as the most commonly used learning theories in educational apps across all the subject areas. Frequently used pedagogical approaches for different disciplines were also identified. Dominance of instructional apps across all disciplines indicated that they are easier to integrate and more convenient to prepare and plan compared to constructive apps.
An underlying learning theory that guides the design of an educational app is one of the most important research-based indicators of app quality. A systematic analysis was conducted to obtain an overview of the most common learning theories/ pedagogical approaches reported in recent research on learning through PreK-12 educational apps. The systematic review identified behaviorism and constructivism respectively as the most commonly used learning theories in educational apps across all the subject areas. Frequently used pedagogical approaches for different disciplines were also identified. Dominance of instructional apps across all disciplines indicated that they are easier to integrate and more convenient to prepare and plan compared to constructive apps.
