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From Constructivism and Connectivism to Situated Learning, here are 32 of the most common learning theories every teacher should know.

Theory and practice really are inseparable. This applies not only to Instructional Design but to any other area or discipline. Not only does theory not harm your practice, it actually helps you improve the quality of your eLearning materials through a virtual network or the internet. While learning theory does not solve all of your design problems, it provides clarity throughout the process and guides you toward finding solutions.

While pursuing our teaching degrees we were introduced to various learning theorists and their insights about how people learn best. Some familiar names, included Piaget, Bandura, Vygotsky, and Gardner. Although understanding these theories is still important, we also need to become familiar with theories, models, and approaches, which provide us insight on how technology, social media, and the Internet impact our learning. Digital learning theories and approaches, such as RAT, SAMR, TPACK, Digital Blooms, Connectivism, Design Thinking and Peeragogy, help teachers develop curricula that gets students to use technology to research, curate, annotate, create, innovate, problem-solve, collaborate, campaign, reform and think critically. These are skills I outline in my book, Hacking Digital Learning Strategies with EdTech Missions. Digital learning approaches consider what students are currently doing online and help us design curricula to help students gain the digital skills they need to thrive in a digitally connected world. Below are some useful links to discover more about these approaches. Another approach you might be interested is Game Design and Gamification. We are currently learning about digital learning models and approaches in the free Goal-Minded Teacher (#EduGoalsMOOC) online course, which you can still join."

Jim Lerman's insight:

Be sure to check the links to each of the 7 theories/models. This is a masterful collection of useful frameworks.

"Digital learning is a type of instructional practice learning that utilizes technology to strengthen the student’s learning experience. This learning form provides professional learning opportunities for teachers as well as a personalized learning experience for students. While many studies are focused on methodology and pedagogy, these five digital learning models and theories utilize the benefits of technology and enhance students’ learning experience."

The world of Instructional Design has evolved over the years. Influences from various learning theory movements like behaviorism, cognitivism, and social learning have constructed a foundation which acts as pillars of successful approaches. While each theory includes specific focal points with regards to how learning occurs—either by behavioral response or knowledge acquisition—they have contributed unique perspectives on learning as a whole and are responsible for how the field of Instructional Design has changed over time.