Using Kolb’s Model of Experiential Learning to Prepare eLearning Designers Jackie Dobrovolny Joni Dunlap Dave Young Information and Learning Technologies (ILT) program at the University of Colorado Denver

Kolb’s Model of Experiential Learning Learning is a process whereby knowledge is created through experience Experiences are a transformational process Students actively construct their experience within a sociocultural context Provides a framework for designing active, collaborative, and interactive learning experiences 2

Kolb’s Model Concrete experience Reflective observation Abstract conceptualization Active experimentation 3

Concrete Experience Emphasizes personal involvement with people in everyday situations. Learner relies more on feelings than a systematic approach to problems and situation. In a learning situation, learner relies on the ability to be open minded and adapt to change.

Reflective Observation Learner understands ideas and situations from different points of view. Learner relies on own thoughts and feelings in forming opinions. In a learning situation, learner relies on patience, objectivity and careful judgment but would not necessarily take any action.

Abstract Conceptualization Learning involves logic and ideas rather than feelings to understand problems or situations. Learner relies on systematic planning, develops theories and ideas to solve problems.

Active Experimentation Learning takes an active form; experimenting with influencing or changing situations. Learner takes a practical approach and is concerned with what works as opposed to simply watching a situation. Learner values getting things done and seeing the results of their influence and ingenuity.

Activities to Support Each Phase Concrete Experience Labs Observations Field work Trigger films Readings Problem sets Examples Reflective Observation Logs Journals Discussions Brainstorming Thought questions Rhetorical questions Abstract Conceptualization Lectures Reports Models Projects Analogies Analysis with rubric Active Experimentation Simulations Case studies Labs Field work Projects

UCD eLearning Students Often need eLearning design knowledge and skills immediately Want to select activities based on interest and need K-12 teachers, college instructors, corporate trainers, instructional designers, technical writers, and performance technologists Novice online learners and developers 9

Program Goals & Design Prepare eLearning professionals Create structured, scaffolded learning experiences Empower students to immediately apply what they are learning to their work Accommodate the busy lifestyles of our students 10

EdWeb Project Students plan and design an eLearning solution for their workplace or community Students continue to build, modify, enhance, and add additional features and functionality 11

Activities in 1 st Course Describe the instructional problem Conduct a front-end analysis Write learning goals and objectives Determine appropriate assessment methods Develop a project proposal and describe appropriate learning activities Create a functional prototype of the EdWeb Build a beta version of the EdWeb Develop an action plan outlining next steps, further development needs, lessons learned, etc. 12

Conduct Front-end Analysis Collect data via field work Make initial speculation about project direction Discuss what data means and how it informs design decisions Compile project proposal 13

Develop Project Proposal Review examples of e-learning courseware Determine what makes courseware effective or ineffective Develop draft of project proposal Provide feedback on teammates’ proposals 14

Create Prototype Discuss functional prototype readings & examples Write a design rationale Explain design rationale to instructors Conduct mini formative evaluation 15

Table in Handout Kolb’s Phases Instructional Activities eLearning Tools Concrete experience Reflective practice Abstract conceptualization Active experimentation 16

Wrap up and Q&A Questions? Ideas of how to apply Kolb’s model? Note: We have an article describing our work with Kolb’s model coming out in the April/May issue of Innovate ( The article will be available the beginning of April, and provides additional detail about our use of Kolb’s model, links to our course and course materials, examples of student work, and a list of references. Dunlap, J.C., Dobrovolny, J., & Young, D. (2008). Preparing e-learning designers using Kolb’s Model of Experiential Learning. Innovate, 4(4). 17