Learning Design for Online Language Learning: A Systems Design Framework

This paper focuses on how online language learning can be effectively designed to maximize learning outcomes. Online language learning in this research refers to learning conducted fully online, in which learners are separated from education providers and their peers by distance. This research first proposes a framework for online language learning design based on established instructional design models, a systems approach to learning design, and language learning theories. The proposed framework addresses six basic elements in online learning design, namely, the analysis of learners, the assessment of technological affordances, course design, learning support design, ongoing evaluation, and continuous improvement. A systems approach is adopted to emphasize the inter-relationship between the six elements which act upon each other to constantly improve learning outcomes. This framework is then evaluated using the learning design built into a fully online Chinese program offered at Griffith University in Australia, as a case study. The evaluation indicates that the proposed framework is effective in capturing the essential design elements in online language learning, and more importantly, in promoting the inter-connection and interaction between these elements which constantly interact with each other to form an iterative cycle of analysis, design, evaluation and improvement.