O6.2.4

=Learning objectives guide e–learning design and (re)development decisions regarding technology and pedagogy.=

Evidence
Technology can have clear benefits for course administrative purposes. But it can also be used to support pedagogy. However, too often technology is included in courses simply because it is available. There is no point using technology to support learning unless there are clear learning outcomes in mind and the technology is chosen for its pedagogical merit. Technology is not an educational magic bullet. Clear linkages between the learning objective and the technology need to be stated if the impact of the technology on student learning is to be effectively assessed, monitored and improved.

The dependence of e-learning on the use of an appropriate pedagogy and well-designed technology means that when assessing the success of courses and projects it is very important to ensure that the effectiveness of the technology is also formally measured. Evidence of success or limitations in the local context (with its specific learning objectives in mind) is an important factor in ensuring the efficient design and development of existing and new courses and projects.

Resources
What is needed is a formal course design rationale that describes the pedagogical expectations of the type of activity students should be doing linked to the affordances of the chosen technologies.