Learning Technologist Toolkit

What is a Learning Technologist?

Learning Technologists are professionals who bridge the gap between education and technology. They play a crucial role in enhancing teaching and learning through the effective use of digital tools and technologies.

These specialists work across educational institutions, training organisations, and corporate environments to design, implement, and evaluate technology-enhanced learning experiences. Their expertise combines pedagogical knowledge with technical skills, enabling them to select appropriate technologies that support specific learning objectives.

Learning Technologists often collaborate with faculty, instructional designers, and IT teams to develop innovative digital learning solutions, provide training on educational technologies, and ensure that digital learning environments are accessible, engaging, and effective.

Core Responsibilities:

Advising on appropriate technology use for educational purposes
Supporting the implementation of learning platforms and tools
Providing training and professional development for educators
Evaluating the effectiveness of educational technologies
Staying current with emerging technologies and pedagogical approaches
Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in digital learning environments
Contributing to institutional digital learning strategies

Key Areas of Focus

Learning Management Systems

Implementation, customisation, and support for platforms like Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, and more.

Digital Content Creation

Development of engaging learning materials, including videos, interactive content, and multimedia resources.

Accessibility

Ensuring digital learning resources are accessible to all learners, regardless of disabilities or learning differences.

Learning Analytics

Using data to understand learner behaviour, improve course design, and measure learning outcomes.

Faculty Development

Training and supporting educators in effectively using technology for teaching and assessment.

Instructional Design

Applying learning theories and design principles to create effective online and blended learning experiences.

Assessment & Feedback

Implementing digital assessment strategies and tools that provide meaningful feedback to learners.

Emerging Technologies

Exploring and evaluating new technologies like AR/VR, AI, and adaptive learning for educational use.

Learning Theories & Frameworks

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

UDL is a framework that addresses the primary barrier to learning: inflexible, one-size-fits-all curricula. It provides guidelines for designing educational experiences that are accessible and effective for all learners.

The Three Principles of UDL:

Multiple Means of Engagement

Providing various ways to engage students' interest and motivation.

Offering choice and autonomy
Making content relevant and valuable
Minimising threats and distractions

Multiple Means of Representation

Presenting information and content in different ways.

Providing alternatives for auditory and visual information
Clarifying vocabulary and symbols
Supporting comprehension and information processing

Multiple Means of Action and Expression

Allowing different ways for students to demonstrate what they know.

Varying methods for response and navigation
Optimising access to tools and assistive technologies
Supporting planning and strategic development

ABC Learning Design

ABC Learning Design is a rapid course development method developed by University College London (UCL). It uses a collaborative, hands-on workshop approach to create visual "storyboards" of learning activities.

The Six Learning Types:

Acquisition: Activities where learners listen, read, or view content
Collaboration: Activities that require learners to work together
Discussion: Activities that emphasise dialogue and debate
Investigation: Activities where learners seek and evaluate information
Practice: Activities that apply learning to real-world scenarios
Production: Activities where learners create something to demonstrate learning

This method helps educators design balanced learning experiences with appropriate variety and pacing of activities, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes.

Other Key Learning Theories

Constructivism

Learners actively construct knowledge through experience and reflection. Digital tools can facilitate exploration, experimentation, and knowledge building.

Social Learning Theory

Learning occurs in social contexts through observation and interaction. Online discussion forums, collaborative projects, and social media can support this approach.

Connectivism

Learning is distributed across networks and connections. Digital technologies enable learners to build and navigate complex information networks.

Cognitive Load Theory

Learning is optimised when the cognitive load does not exceed working memory capacity. Digital content should be designed to manage cognitive load effectively.

SAMR Model

A framework for evaluating technology integration: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. Helps educators progress from enhancing to transforming learning experiences.

TPACK Framework

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge emphasises the intersection of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge for effective teaching.

Supporting Digital Learning Excellence

What is a Learning Technologist?

Core Responsibilities:

Key Areas of Focus

Learning Management Systems

Digital Content Creation

Accessibility

Learning Analytics

Faculty Development

Instructional Design

Assessment & Feedback

Emerging Technologies

Essential Tools

Learning Management Systems

Content Creation

Assessment & Engagement

Multimedia & Video

Collaboration & Communication

Accessibility

Learning Theories & Frameworks

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

The Three Principles of UDL:

Multiple Means of Engagement

Multiple Means of Representation

Multiple Means of Action and Expression

ABC Learning Design

The Six Learning Types:

Other Key Learning Theories

Constructivism

Social Learning Theory

Connectivism

Cognitive Load Theory

SAMR Model

TPACK Framework

Additional Resources

Professional Organisations

Journals & Publications

Books

Blogs & Websites

Training & Development

Tools & Tutorials