Creative Design of Interactive eLearning Activities and Materials (IEAM)

Abstract

The research objective was to develop a psycho-pedagogical model for designing creative Interactive eLearning Activities and Materials (IEAM). To achieve this purpose, the developmental research methodology was implemented through three main stages: systematic design, systematic development, and evaluation. In the systematic design phase, a list of educational and creative design standards of interactive eLearning activities and materials was developed. In the systematic development phase, the main components of the proposed model were created. The main components (domains) of the proposed model that should be implemented in developing eLearning activities and materials were: Knowledge Domains and Classifications, Pedagogical Techniques and Strategies, eLearning Tools and Media, Pedagogical Standards of Interactive Activities, Creativity Processes, and Mental Knowledge Structure. In the evaluation phase, a mixed approach of Focus Group Interview (FGI) and Case Study was implemented to validate the proposed model on a micro level. The final model was refereed by three full professors specialized in: Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Technology and eLearning, and Cognitive Psychology. The findings of this study revealed that the proposed model could be a supporting metaphor for creative design of interactive eLearning and distance learning activities and materials. This model is also a starting point for studies, which intend to understand and apply creative design of eLearning activities and materials. It is recommended to have online instructors and e-Courses' instructional designers get trained on implementing this model to increase the quality of designing eLearning courses.