Literature Review

Bill Osterholt

EDU 657

Dr. Jayme Linton

July 31, 2017

       This is a review of education articles based on principles and strategies for guidance in Instructional Design.  The three articles I selected for the literature review are: Applying Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction: Practical Methods Based on a Review of the Literature by Joel Gardner, Utah State University.  An award-winning teacher, Dr. Gardner has taught and currently leads graduate students in Master of Instructional Design and Performance Technology at Franklin University. His professional mission is to discover and share knowledge that inspires, empowers and equips others to succeed in their careers and lives. The second article is Increase Online Student Retention with Universal Design for Learning by Thomas J. Tobin, Coordinator of Learning Technologies, Center for Teaching and Learning, Northeastern Illinois University, and the last article is Using the ADDIE Model for Teaching Online, by Kaye Shelton, Director of Online Education at Dallas Baptist University and George Saltsman, Director of Education Technologies at Abilene Christian University. The authors use extensive references to support their claims.  All three writers address educators, while Increase Online is directed specifically at higher education.                                    Gardner’s paper was written when he was a doctoral student at USU in 2010. In the introduction, he points out that transferring theory into teaching practice is often discussed, but teachers do not effectively use First Principles of Instruction in their teaching strategy (Garner 2010). I can relate to this concept as I see a marked difference from educational theory to practical application. Tobin’s paper states, “Well-designed online courses keep students engaged with each other and the professor” (Tobin 2014). Although his paper is on Universal Design for Learning, he concentrates on the current trend of students to use mobile devices. Shelton and Saltsman describe how the use of ADDIE model, “provides an organized process for developing instructional materials” (Shelton 2006). Even though the main purpose of these articles differs, there are similarities in the approaches to teaching they describe.                              

      Beginning with the stated difference between theory and educational practice, Gardner asserts “principles are often included in instructional theory, which ‘offer explicit guidance on how to better help people learn and develop’”(Reigeluth, 1999). He continues to quote Merrill that ‘instructional design theory should address what actions to take and how and why we should take those actions’ (Gardner 2010). Shelton takes this a step further and states that the best instructors may feel intimidated but ADDIE may provide tools for ePedagogy, and sharing success stories is a good way to build confidence, prepare instructors and create successful outcomes in the online classroom (Shelton 2006).                                                                                                 

     Important points in lesson development also draw attention to similarities in these articles.  Gardner lays out the First Foundational Principles of Instruction: context of real world problems, demonstration of skills, application of new knowledge, and integrate knowledge (Gardner 2010).  Shelton and Tobin point to necessary steps to achieve these goals in an online environment. Shelton lists ten items of importance; these are a clearly defined syllabus, contact information, course objectives, attendance requirements, late work policy, course schedule, orientation aids, rubrics, communication practices, technology policy and course design (Shelton 2006).  Tobin whose thesis is to increase retention in online classes specifically aimed at the use of mobile devices includes some items which are specific to use of this type of technology. Tobin’s list includes: start with text, build multiple paths based on text foundation, create alternatives, let them do it their way, go step by step, and set content free. Although these approaches seem to be very diverse, there are similarities. Both Shelton and Tobin are using the Merrill’s Five Foundational Principles to structure their advice on Instructional Design. Their individual analysis goes into detail on each point they use to develop strategies.The end results can be linked back to these principles of education.
      For the past seven years, I have experienced classes both online and traditional which followed these steps. As explained, clear syllabuses and rubrics are essential. Different structures of class work and assignments were used by the many different professors who led the classes. The classes I was most successful and engaged in followed many of these guidelines.                  

      In conclusion, it is not the adaptation of one type of educational strategy which enables one to be a proficient educator but the knowledge of the different approaches. This information will allow choices in order to instruct the individual to their fullest potential by selecting the strategy which is best suited for each personality and learning style. 

References

                Gardner, J. (2010). Applying Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction: Practical Methods                             Based on a Review of the Literature, Educational Technology Magazine, 50(2),                             pp. 20-25.

            Shelton K, and Saltsman, G. (2006). Using the ADDIE Model for Teaching Online.                                  International Journal of Information and Communication, 2, 14-26.

            Tobin, T.J., Increase Online Student Retention with Universal Design for Learning, The                            Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 15(3), 13-24.