Abstract:

The sudden and forced switch to online teaching and learning in 2020, referred to as Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning (ERTL), seems, at times, to have widened the gap between sound pedagogical practices and the need for rapid response solutions. It is, therefore, more important than ever to review the science of course design, generally referred to as instructional design (Smith and Ragan, 2004), and to adapt it to accommodate this new age of online teaching and learning. Additionally, a plethora of software solutions and applications are now available allowing for content to be created quickly, with optically pleasing results, but that often omits crucial stages of design and development required for effective online learning materials to be created (Anderson, 2004). This paper reviews the literature on Instructional and E-Learning Design and reassesses it taking today’s needs into account. Subsequently, a new simplified framework for E-Learning course design, coined the 3D-Pyramid, is introduced and explained. This framework was created by the author to meet the requirements of a fast-paced world where rapid course generation and flexibility have become core requirements for teaching and learning. The 3D-Pyramid approach is a three-tiered framework for the planning and creation of effective E-Learning courses based upon a solid Design foundation; where needs are determined, learning objectives are set, and storyboards are created. Secondly, in the Development phase, course materials are created, tested in real-world environments, and enhanced and finally, in the Deployment phase, the courses and materials are released to the learners, this phase includes evaluation for potential future improvement.

Keywords:

Resilient teaching, instructional design, e-learning design.