←RESOURCE LIBRARY

Learning design and learning science

This is for the theory nerds. We're all about the evidence! 

Blogs, articles, and guides
ACTION@WORK

ACTION@WORK, created by Cathy Moore, author of Map It: The Hands-on Guide to Strategic Training Design, offers useful tips and tools for e-learning. It includes how-to articles, toolkits for needs analysis and scenario design, a how-to book, and sample activities. Cathy also shares insights on her blog, available on the site, ensuring continuous learning and improvement for Instructional Designers.

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Book
Applying the Science of Learning
Richard Mayer

Understanding the process through which students learn helps design effective e-learning. In this book, educational psychology scholar Richard Mayer explains the science of learning, instruction, and assessment writing. His ideas are presented in an easy-to-read manner, making this book a useful companion on your Learning Design journey, and ensuring you apply proven strategies.

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Book
Behavioral Neuroscience of Learning and Memory
Robert E. Clark and Stephen Martin (Eds.)

This book includes opinions and expertise from leading neuroscientists on learning and memory. It focuses on research from both humans and animals, exploring the mechanisms for memory function, the multiple memory systems in the brain, and how technological innovations have driven discovery. The insights provided are invaluable for those looking to deepen their understanding of cognitive processes.

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Book
Cognitive Psychology (Seventh Edition)
Robert Sternberg and Karin Sternberg

This easy-to-understand book covers the basics of cognitive neuroscience, attention, perception, memory, language, problem-solving, creativity, decision-making, reasoning, and intelligence. These insights are helpful in creating effective e-learning experiences and understanding how learners think and process information, providing a solid foundation for Instructional Designers.

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Book
Design Thinking for Training and Development
Sharon Boller and Laura Fletcher

Design thinking is a human-centered process and problem-solving methodology where the user and designer collaborate to arrive at a solution. As a result, learning experiences are created where knowledge sticks and performance improves. This book offers a comprehensive guide on how to apply design thinking tools and techniques in various educational settings.

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Book
Design for How People Learn
Julie Dirksen

With the continuous growth of technology and products in workplaces, we are learning and teaching every day. However, when we sit down to learn with a book or an online course, we often lose focus. This book explores key principles behind learning, memory, and attention that make the knowledge you share or study stick, providing strategies to maintain focus and engagement.

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Video
Devlin Peck

If you need help upskilling as a Learning Designer, Devlin Peck is a great place to start. His site offers insights and guides you through three steps to establish yourself. Explore articles on beginning your Learning Design journey, access checklists to set yourself up for success, and join the bootcamp to build skills and create a portfolio, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a successful career.

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Blogs, articles, and guides
ELB Learning

ELB Learning (formerly eLearning Brothers) offers an extensive library of blog posts on topics like video coaching, Instructional Design best practices, gamification, and AI. Their content is designed to keep you informed and inspired, helping you stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of e-learning. Explore their blog to find valuable insights and practical advice for enhancing your learning solutions.

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Video
How to Design Effective eLearning playlist
Devlin Peck

If you're new to the e-learning industry or need a portfolio refresh, this playlist is for you. Devlin focuses on creating story-driven, scenario-based learning experiences, a skill that can help you secure your dream Instructional Design job. Follow his videos for practical tips and inspiration, and learn how to craft engaging and immersive learning scenarios that captivate your audience.

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Blogs, articles, and guides
Learning Science Weekly

Learning Science Weekly provides Learning Designers with evidence-based best practices to create impactful learning experiences. You can sign up for their newsletter or explore past editions and podcasts on the site, ensuring you stay updated with the latest research and practical tips. This initiative helps bridge the gap between theory and practice in the field of Learning Design.

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Book
Map It: The Hands-on Guide to Strategic Training Design
Cathy Moore

One of the most important jobs of an Instructional Designer is to determine if training is the solution to a performance problem. In this book, Cathy Moore explains a visual approach to needs analysis and training design called 'action mapping'. Action mapping will help you assess training requests and turn them into projects that improve performance and make a real difference.

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Book
Neuroscience for Learning and Development: How to Apply Neuroscience and Psychology for Improved Learning and Training
Stella Collins

To ensure people learn effectively, we need to understand the brain's workings. This book explores the neuroscience of attention, memory, and habits, providing practical tools for designing effective training. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to create impactful learning experiences, combining theoretical knowledge with actionable strategies for real-world application.

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Blogs, articles, and guides
SHIFT's e-learning Blog

SHIFT is an international e-learning company. Their blog shares best practices, tips, and inspiration for impactful Instructional Design. From practical advice to innovative ideas, their content is designed to help you create effective and engaging learning experiences for diverse audiences. Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in e-learning through SHIFT’s comprehensive blog.

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Book
Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change
Julie Dirksen

"Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change" by Julie Dirksen explores strategies for creating impactful learning experiences that lead to lasting behaviour change. Using insights from psychology and neuroscience, Dirksen provides practical tools and techniques to design effective training programmes.

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Book
Teaching as a Design Science: Building Pedagogical Patterns for Learning and Technology
Diana Laurillard

Teaching approaches are changing every day, with teachers trying new methods. However, these experiments' results are seldom widely shared, limiting professional development. In this book, Diana Laurillard argues that a 21st-century education system needs teachers to work collaboratively to design effective and innovative teaching, emphasising the importance of shared practices.

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Journals and papers
The 7Cs of Learning Design – a new approach to rethinking design practice
Gráinne Conole

There are many ways to design for learning, but doing it right is a challenge. This paper describes a new framework for Learning Design, the 7Cs of Learning Design, and how it can be applied. It also discusses the evolution of its use, providing a comprehensive guide for effective Learning Design. This framework is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their instructional strategies.

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Podcast
The Learning Hack
John Helmer

In The Learning Hack podcast, John Helmer engages with leading minds and technologies shaping the industry. He explores significant innovations and explains how digital technology and scientific discoveries are transforming how we learn, train, teach, and educate. Tune in to stay informed and inspired, and gain insights from experts who are driving the future of learning and development.

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Book
The Psychology of Learning: An Introduction from a Functional-Cognitive Perspective
Jan De Houwer and Sean Hughes

Functional psychology explores how our environment shapes behaviour, while cognitive psychology examines the mental processes that enable learning. This book aims to answer what learning is and how it works by considering both approaches, providing a comprehensive understanding for designing effective learning experiences. It’s a must-read for anyone involved in Educational Design.

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Blogs, articles, and guides
The Ultimate E-Learning Design and Development Checklist
Nicole Legault

There's nothing quite as satisfying as checking off a completed task from a list. E-learning specialist Nicole Legault shares her ultimate checklist for Learning Design, covering a broad range of items in the design and development process. Use this checklist to stay organised and ensure nothing is missed, enhancing the quality and efficiency of your e-learning projects.

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Blogs, articles, and guides
The eLearning Coach

On The eLearning Coach, Connie Malamed shares her articles, books, and courses to help you design smarter learning experiences. She also recommends books from other authors to guide you on your e-learning journey, providing valuable resources and expert advice to enhance your skills. Connie’s practical insights and curated content make this site a treasure trove for learning professionals.

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Book
The eLearning Designer's Handbook: A Practical Guide to the eLearning Development Process for New eLearning Designers
Tim Slade

If you're new to the game, knowing where to begin with your first e-learning course can be daunting, especially as you navigate through the different steps, considerations, and jargon. This book walks you through the design and development process for creating an e-learning course from start to finish, providing you with tips and advice to succeed and avoid common pitfalls.

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Book
What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Instructional Designer
Luke Hobson

The field of Instructional Design is relatively new, and many of us stumbled upon our roles unexpectedly and learned from more experienced colleagues. This book helps you polish your Instructional Design knowledge. If you're new to the field, you'll get the guidance you need to focus your efforts and succeed, making this an essential read for aspiring Instructional Designers.

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