Navigating Learning Theories in TEL: From Selection to Application

Navigating Learning Theories in TEL: From Selection to Application

📅 Tuesday 19/05 16:00-17:30h

📍 Workshop Space A

🔎 Needs Analysis

Theory-driven design decisions play a central role in Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) research, as they inform the formulation of research questions, the design of learning environments, and the interpretation of empirical findings. Grounding design choices in theory is essential for generating cumulative, transferable, and scientifically rigorous knowledge in the TEL field. However, the sheer number and diversity of learning theories relevant to TEL can be overwhelming, particularly for PhD students at the beginning of their research project. Early-stage researchers often struggle with identifying relevant theories, understanding their assumptions, and translating them into concrete methodological and design choices. This workshop addresses these challenges by providing a structured and actionable overview of key learning theories relevant to TEL research. It aims to support PhD students in systematically searching for, selecting, and applying theoretical perspectives to their own

📒 Session Description

The participants will explore how theory can guide research in TEL. The session begins with outlining why theory in TEL is essential and how it is embedded in existing studies. Next, we provide an overview of selected learning theories relevant to TEL research, focusing on their core assumptions and the types of the research and design questions they support. Based on example research articles, participants will discuss which theories might inform their research choice and why it is important to integrate them. Participants will then work in small groups. Each group will receive handouts of theories and important dimensions that describe key activities in the research process. Then the groups will develop a structured overview of theories along important dimensions. Each group will present their outcome and explain their rationale. The workshop facilitators will provide a solution at the end of the practice session. The solutions will be shared to each participant after the workshop.

💡 Learning Objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the need for theory across the research and design process
• Identify and distinguish key learning theories relevant to TEL and articulate their relevance for their own PhD research projects
• Search for, select and integrate theoretical concepts with confidence into the design, methodology, and analysis of their PhD projects