Research contents
Learning objects and learning design
Learning interaction and dialogue design
Designing for informal and lifelong learning
Funded projects

Learning objects and learning design
The LTRI pursues research into the design, development and use of learning objects. We focused initially on design principles for the development of pedagogically effective, reusable learning objects. LTRI is the lead partner in the HEFCE-funded CETL in Reusable Learning Objects (RLO-CETL) [www.rlo-cetl.ac.uk].
An earlier project introduced learning objects for Java programming, that have been used and evaluated by over 1000 students at two higher education institutions. The second and complementary focus of our research is on reusable learning designs. More info

Learning interaction and dialogue design
This research theme within the LTRI adopts a design-based approach to educational dialogue and interaction design that combines methodologies from educational cognitive science, linguistics and psychology. There is a particular focus on the role of collaborative dialogue, argumentation and reflective reasoning in the development of conceptual understanding in various educational contexts. So we have produced a range of innovative dialogue systems (e.g. for dialogue games), interactive web-portals, and models or frameworks for communicative interaction and learning. More info

Designing for informal and lifelong learning
The main goal of the designing for informal and lifelong learning (DILL) Research Theme is to find ways to develop models that describe how people perform learning activities using resources, and how these three things can be coordinated into a learning flow using adaptive computer-based software agents. More specifically, the focus is on finding ways to orchestrate the available reusable learning resources so as to meet a particular learner’s context and lifelong learning needs. More info

Funded projects
The LTRI is involved in a number of European and nationally funded research projects. Our role in these projects ranges from design and development to expert evaluation. A list of current and completed projects can be found here.

Last updated 21 April, 2008