CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING THEORY TO WEB-BASED COURSE DESIGN: AN INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN APPROACH

DESIGN: AN INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN APPROACH Simone Conceição-Runlee Barbara J. Daley ABSTRACT With the advent of web-based courses and distance education technology, it is necessary to carefully consider how the use of this technology fosters the learning intended in adult education programs. In this paper, we have outlined constructivist learning theory as an approach to fostering web-based course development. A constructivist approach allows both learners and facilitators to take advantage of the World Wide Web, because the theory focuses on making connections and making meaning in the learning process. Web-based courses that are designed with a constructivist approach encourage the learners to navigate, create, and construct their unique knowledge base.