Learning Theories: Implications for Online Learning Design

Globally, online learning is widely used as a modern means of delivering instruction. Yet, a significant proportion of online material fails to meet the benchmarks of successful teaching and learning highlighting a need for guidelines on how to structure online materials for effective learning. By presenting learning theories; behaviourism, cognitivism, and constructivism, this paper will highlight and discuss principles that can be applied to online learning contexts. The implications of these principles will be discussed to showcase online learning practices where learning is promoted and learners are actively engaged.