Instructional theory
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An instructional theory focuses on how to structure material for learning. The two main instructional theories are the cognitive and behaviorist schools of thought.
One influential U.S. instructional theorist is Robert M. Gagne. In 1977 he published Conditions of Learning for Florida State University's Department of Educational Research. Benjamin Bloom has also had an influence on modern instructional theory with his Taxonomy of Education Objectives first published in 1956.
B._F._Skinner's theories on behavior influenced instructional theory because this can be measured scientifically. It is more difficult to demonstrate cognitive learning results. Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed, first published in English in 1968, had a broad influence over a generation of American educators with his critique of various "banking" models of education and analysis of the teacher-student relationship.
In the context of E-Learning, a major discussion in instructional theory is the potential of Learning Objects to structure and deliver content. There are currently many groups trying to set standards for the development and implementation of Learning Objects. At the forefront of the standards groups is the Department of Defense's Advanced Distributed Learning initiative with its SCORM standards. SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model.
There is an entire vocabulary and related acronyms related to SCORM and Learning Objects.
See also:
External links:
- Advanced Distributed Learning (http://www.adlnet.org)
- Department of Educational Research (http://www.fsu.edu/~edres)