Putting the Flesh
On the Bones
Authors:
Na Li · Henk Huijser · Shujuan Zhang · Tao Zhang · Xiaojun Zhang
Li, N., Huijser, H., Zhang, S., Zhang, T., & Zhang, X. (2024). Putting the flesh on the bones: using a fishbone digital learning design method to align educational objectives. Education and Information Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12799-5
The Challenge of Digital Learning Design
Complex Learning Environments
Traditional teaching approaches are no longer sufficient in expanding and dynamic digital learning environments.
Time-Intensive Expertise
Teachers need learning design expertise that takes considerable time to develop, similar to developing disciplinary expertise.
Context-Specific Process
Learning design for the digital world requires adapting to specific contexts and learner cohorts.
The FDLD Cycle
Evaluation & Reflection
Pre-design course evaluation and post-design reflection
Setting Milestones
Defining key stages for periodic learning outcomes
Anchoring Objectives
Placing educational objectives at milestone points
Aligning Pedagogies
Selecting appropriate teaching methods and digital tools
Mapping Learning
Specifying detailed learning processes and assessments
Educational Objectives in the Digital World
Share
Contributing to networks, publishing, broadcasting
Create
Designing, constructing, planning, producing
Evaluate
Checking, critiquing, testing, monitoring
Analyze
Comparing, organizing, deconstructing
Apply
Implementing, using, executing
Understand
Interpreting, summarizing, explaining
Remember
Recognizing, listing, describing
Based on Bloom's taxonomy with an added "Share" level for the digital world, these seven objectives form the backbone of the FDLD method.
Visualizing Educational Objectives
The FDLD process makes educational objectives visible through color-coded visual elements, encouraging instructors to design varied learning activities to meet different objectives.
Impact on Learning Experience
146
Online Activities
EDS431 course activities
72
Weekly Attempts
Per student in EDS431
4.97
Feedback Score
Out of 5 (university avg: 4.62)
Practical Implications
Structured Alignment
Offers a structured process for integrating learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessments.
Visualization Benefits
Makes educational objectives more visible, prompting instructors to design diverse learning activities.
Iterative Approach
Emphasizes continuous self-reflection and course evaluation, encouraging timely adjustments.
Professional Development
Supports teachers' growth by promoting exploration of new teaching methods and technologies.
Future Development Opportunities
Assessment Integration
Further research needed on assessment design alignment with educational objectives, particularly with digital tools.
Objective Evaluation
Develop more objective tests and measurements to better facilitate the course evaluation process.
Cross-Disciplinary Application
Test FDLD across various disciplines, educational stages, and cultural backgrounds to validate its universality.
Multi-Domain Expansion
Extend beyond cognitive domain to include affective and psychomotor domains of learning outcomes.