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Selecting and Evaluating eLearning Content for Instructional Designer Following the Triple E Framework

As you are working on or evaluating an eLearning course, it is essential to ensure that you have selected the most appropriate learning materials.

This is probably the single most important thing you can do to make any instructional lesson or course a success.

A framework that is very effective in support of the learning objectives that you can use when selecting your own materials for your online course is called: The Triple E Framework.

With the vast amount of continuously developing digital tools available in online learning, a new level of complexity is being added to learning when compared to traditional face-to-face courses.

When selecting learning materials, it is also important that instructional designers understand the value of using frameworks when it comes to selecting appropriate media, materials, and tools.

You need to ask your questions like: 

  • What instructional method would work best for this group of learners?
  • What type of media (text, still images, audio, video, etc.) would best compliment the instructional methods?
  • What materials should learners have supplied to them to assist with subject mastery?

The Triple E Framework attempts to define effective digital tools into a course while supporting the learning goals. The framework is based on three components:

1. Engagement in learning goals

Engagement is the first measure of the Framework.

This component considers how the selected materials are helping the learners focus on the learning tasks and goals.

Designers should be very wary of false engagement and try to avoid it. It is essential that engagement using the materials is time-on-task, actively focusing on learning goals, and allowing learners to participate in active social learning.


2. Enhancement of learning goals

Enhancement is the next component of the framework. 

 “Enhancement” can be defined under three types of improvement:

  1. Operational improvement
    • Providing greater flexibility for learners or making resources more accessible
  2. Quantitative change in learning
    • Increased time-on-task or learner improvement in test scores
  3. Qualitative change in learning
    • Promoting reflection on learning and practice or helping develop a richer understanding of content

3. Extension of learning goals

The last component of the Triple E Framework is Extension.

Learning does not take place in isolation, as difficult that may be to comprehend in an online learning environment. Learning happens best when it is situated in culture, language, context, and time.

The learners will understand more deeply when they can apply content learning to real-world problems. Using emerging technologies is one way to help create these authentic connections.

While these three terms are often used interchangeably, they are distinct, and it’s important to define and show examples of what makes each level unique.

Want to learn more about the Triple E Framework and how to apply its authenticity to make your eLearning courses more learners-centered? Want to make sure your eLearning courses will engage learners in your designed activities; enhance their skills and extend their learning by applying their skills in real- life scenarios? 

Then, what are you waiting for? Make your wishes come true, by joining the eLearning and Instructional Design for Beginners Community.

Start your career in Instructional Design (ID) and eLearning. Build an online course from scratch and finish with mastery. Whatever you need help with, the community is there to help you master your skills. Interested in joining the community? Click here to get started.


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