E-Learning by Design

by William Horton

Since the first edition of E-learning by Design, e-learning has evolved rapidly and fringe techniques have moved into the mainstream. Underlying and underwriting these changes in e-learning are advances in technology and changes in society. The second edition of the bestselling book E-Learning by Design offers a comprehensive look at the concepts and processes of developing, creating, and implementing a successful e-learning program. This practical, down-to-earth resource is filled with clear information and instruction without over simplification. The book helps instructors build customized e-learning programs from scratch--building on core principles of instructional design to: develop meaningful activities and lessons; create and administer online tests and assessments; design learning games and simulations; and implement an individualized program.

"Every newcomer to the field will find this edition indispensable, while professionals will find much needed contemporary information to manage the rapid changes happening in our field. Even if you own the first edition, buy this update as soon as possible."
--Michael W. Allen, CEO of Allen Interactions, Inc.; author, Michael Allen's e-Learning Library Series

"Covers the full range of options for presenting learning materials online--including designing useful topics, engaging activities, and reliable tests--and it takes into account the realities and issues of today's instructional designers, such as social learning and mobile learning."
--Saul Carliner, associate professor, Concordia University; author, The E-Learning Handbook

"Horton nails it! Perfectly timed, robust, and practical, this second edition of brings together the latest strategies for learning without losing its critical premise--technology enables e-learning, but great design makes it work."
--Marc J. Rosenberg, e-learning strategist; author, Beyond E-Learning

"An e-learning encyclopedia loaded with detailed guidelines and examples ranging from basic instructional design techniques to the latest applications in games, social media, and mobile-learning. An essential reference for anyone involved in e-learning design, development, or evaluation"
--Ruth Colvin Clark, author, e-Learning and the Science of Instruction

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Reference, Academic, Teaching, Business

640 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2006

Reviews

[Instructional Design Reads]

This book guides the reader systematically though the decisions necessary to design effective e-learning.
This book offers a course design process that builds up from small pieces to create full course.
Assignment examples are included.
Chapter 5 on testing examines types of questions and their design and application.

[YOGESWARAN S.P.MUNIANDI]

This book by William Horton indeed a great startup if you are a novice in instructional design. This book primarily touches on the design aspect that designers could opt-in and suggested best practices to implement. A book that deserves your attention if you really wanna focus on the design aspect (practical) rather theoretical.

[Dale Moore]

Read as a textbook for Instructional Design II at Mississippi State University. It was a good read, learned a lot about instructional systems design and the different processes involved at the elementary to intermediate level. Good for someone new to the education field like myself who may be coming from other fields.

[Amy Vince]

This book was used for my college class, Design for Online Education. It was one of the better books out there on the subject. I will keep it as a reference.

[Kris Patrick]

A good investment to own.

[Tifany Sikich]

Has good ideas and information; I like the breakdown of learning activities. I do think that it is somewhat outdated and explains the obvious too much.

[Mark O'Sullivan]

Required

[Dr. Stephanie Douglass]

Good info but some material is dated. Would love to have an updated version.
Yes, I actually read all 598 pages.

[Jordan Barbosa]

Another textbook… a bit dated but useful

[Leah Sciabarrasi]

This is not the type of book to read all the way through- though I do recommend reading through the first chapter and referencing the rest of the chapters when you need them. One of the best idea books I've come across- it is a great resource for instructional designers that develop and train others to develop (however, it can also be useful to teachers that develop their own courses). Great illustrations.

There are a variety of examples in the book for the use of these activities- they can be used for developing informative sites, courses, consulting training exercises, etc. I like how the author breaks down the different types of activities- absorbing, connecting, and doing activities- flexible enough for a learning management system, Web site, or other training program.

My one comment is that the book seems a bit out of order- possibly the activities should go after the lessons chapter, which is why I came to the conclusion that it is best to use this as a reference.

[Shawn Upton]

Read for a class on strategies and assessments, this book describes non-E-learning pedagogy as well.

I liked how the author broke down activities into three categories: 1. Absorb, 2. Do, and 3. Connect. A familiar structure helped you learn about each activity type, when to use it, best practices, combinations with other activities, and social/mobile learning opportunities.

This book helped me with some practical advice to design better presentations, as well as new ideas for practice, like students completing case studies. It also gave the right amount of light into connect activities, which usually get short shrift (at least in my teaching so far).

My coursework and review only cover the first 300 pages. I wish I had more time to review the games/simulations section and the full chapter on social learning.

[Ellis]

This book is saving my life as I endeavor from classroom Instructional Design to e-learning Instructional Design.

[Topilno]

Creating Web Pages for Dummies

[Andrea Beaudin]

a lot of common sense. helpful, but I prefer more direct pieces.

[Wang Fredy]

gf

[Jill]

recommended at iTeach