I was thinking about principles for good web-design learning and self-regulation....
Structured web design has the potential to build in
self-regulated learning. Utilizing features of polling and interactive quizzes
in real-time courses or self-guided formats can provide specific timely
feedback for student in the learning process. Research regarding feedback
indicates that specific timely feedback improves the learning experience. The
learner can reflect on the level of understanding based on the learning task
(e.g, preparation for text, lecturette, video, activity). Reflection and
self-monitoring are functions of self-regulation and metacognition.
While self-regulation and metacognition can be taught the
degree to which the on-line or web-based learning formats actually improve learner self-regulation is uncertain. This
may be a function of individual variability (also a construct of metacognition). The web-based learning formats can
require self-regulatory-like behaviors as a by-product of the structure of the
course, activity or program. Actual individual learner self-regulation is not necessarily
improved per say. Research does seem to consistently indicate that the
self-regulated learner, whether in a brick and mortar context or virtual
learning or web-based learning environments, has better outcomes. A logical approach to
achieve certain outcomes seems to consistently point to principles of good
learning strategies and instructional design. The format is simply the
vehicle.
(Comments are loosely based on discussion from an article in review -Brady, Rosenthal, & Forest, 2015).
