2026

Academic Practice, Academic Professional Development, Higher Education, Learning Design

From Content Delivery to Learning Architecture: The New HE Paradigm.

Higher education is shifting from a traditional transmission model to intentional learning design, emphasizing active knowledge construction and mastery. Research supports the effectiveness of active learning, while Learning Design emerges as a critical discipline. The pandemic and Generative AI have accelerated this transformation, redefining educators as Learning Architects focused on curated, purposeful learning experiences.

Graphic illustrating AI incursion into Higher Education
Academic Practice, Academic Professional Development, Artificial Intelligence AI, Staff Development

Is higher education focusing on the wrong AI emergency?

Many universities are currently focused on updating academic integrity policies and banning AI, viewing it as a cheating issue. However, this overlooks the need to redesign learning experiences for an AI-integrated world. The real crisis lies in faculty development and curriculum design, which are insufficiently addressed for modern labor market demands.

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8-SLDF, Academic Practice, Academic Professional Development, Learning Design

Introduction to the 8-Stage Learning Development Framework

Many academics, while being subject-matter experts, lack training in course design, leading to ineffective curricula that reflect their own experiences rather than student needs. The 8-Stage Learning Design Framework (8-SLDF) addresses this issue, emphasizing Constructive Alignment and five development areas while encouraging honest engagement with AI in the design process.

thm_reuse
Academic Practice, Learning Design

Why do we design for reuse and renewal?

The article discusses evolving curriculum development trends, advocating for a shift from static models to dynamic, modular approaches. It highlights the importance of granular mapping, preventing loss of educational resources through standardized tagging, and fostering collaborative content curation. This framework supports institutional agility and continuous course renewal.

Academic Practice, Learning Design

Why do we design to enable academic and learner analytics?

The post emphasizes the importance of using student data to enhance course design rather than merely reporting past outcomes. It highlights the roles of Educational Data Mining, Academic Analytics, and Learning Analytics in understanding learner needs. Key strategies include building responsive pathways, designing supportive touchpoints, and anticipating emerging technologies to optimize learning experiences.

Abstract image representing the evolving nature of work
Academic Practice, Learning Design

Why do we design with a view to the evolving nature of work?

The 8th principle of learning design emphasizes the need for educators to adopt a proactive, future-oriented approach amid rapid technological changes. As skills quickly become outdated, the article advocates for developing Futures Literacy and focusing on transversal meta-skills. By leveraging real-time data, curriculum design can better prepare students for an evolving workforce.

Abstract representation of learner autonomy
Academic Practice, Learning Design

Why do we design for learner autonomy?

Lifelong learning is enhanced by learner autonomy, which empowers individuals to shape their education. Educational design should shift focus to self-directed pathways, respect cultural contexts, and encourage personalized learning experiences. This approach emphasizes agency, cultural responsiveness, and authentic assessments, promoting a deeper understanding rather than mere memorization.

Academic Practice, Learning Design

Why do we design applied learning?

Visualisation of a Digital Future
Academic Practice, Learning Design

Why do we design for digital futures?

The fifth of the Ten Principles of Learning Design emphasizes the importance of recognizing the shift from analogue to digital learning environments. It advocates for a learner-first approach, urging educators to anticipate digital trends across various disciplines, even in practical skills. This proactive design is essential for effective teaching and learning.

Abstract representation of diverse learning contexts.
Academic Practice, Learning Design

Why do we design for the learner’s context?

Designing for the learner’s context emphasizes incorporating real-world experiences into educational settings, enhancing the effectiveness of learning. Recognizing situational motivation is crucial for students to engage with their learning. The principle encourages adapting design based on course objectives, whether for foundational knowledge or active application. Explore more sub-principles on Substack.

Academic Practice, Learning Design

Why do we design culturally responsive learning?

The third principle of Learning Design emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive education. It acknowledges the need for awareness of diverse cultural contexts and perspectives in course design, rather than attempting to cover all variations. Understanding differences in personal ontology and epistemology can enhance learning for a broad range of international students.

AI Generated image representing authoritative voices
Academic Practice, Learning Design

Why do we design to harness authoritative voices?

The second of the ten Principles for Learning Design emphasizes the importance of utilizing authoritative voices in higher education, moving away from singular authoritative figures. Today’s educational environment values diverse perspectives, evidence, and rational discourse, reflecting a shift from traditional methods to a more pluralistic approach in course design.

Graphical representation of constructive alignment
Academic Practice, Constructive Alignment

Why do we design for constructive alignment?

Screen shot of the 10 Principles of Learning Design
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10 Principles of Learning Design

9S model illustrated.
Learning Design

Relationship between learning models and patterns: 9S Model and DiAL-e Learning Patterns

Academic Practice, Learning Design

When to use models and patterns in course design

Simon holding up the 2026 Psychomotor Poster
-, Academic Professional Development, Learning Design, Psychomotor, Resources

A2 Poster of Psychomotor Domain for Educational Outcomes

Academic Practice, Academic Professional Development, Posters, Taxonomy

A1 Portrait Version of Taxonomies Poster Now Available

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