Evidence Based Design: The Open Learning Initiative

In this article, we have shown how OLI uses the web to deliver online instruction that instantiates course designs based on research from the learning sciences. Our grant from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation permitted us to take advantage of local expertise in learning theory, human computer interaction and software engineering, which we combined with content experts (university faculty) in order to optimize the delivery and evaluation of OLI courses

Using intelligent tutoring systems, virtual laboratories, simulations, and frequent opportunities for assessment and feedback, we build courses that are intended to enact instruction - or, more precisely, to enact the kind of dynamic, flexible, and responsive instruction that fosters deep learning.

As we deliver the instruction, we use technology to collect real time interaction level data of all student use. We use this data to create four positive feedback loops: feedback to students, feedback to course designers, feedback to learning science researchers and feedback to instructors.

Our current area of research is investigating how best to present this information to instructors in real time so that they can use the feedback to dynamically adapt their instruction.

The integration of theory and practice that is at the heart of OLI depends on the participation of a diverse community of developers, teachers and learners. To facilitate building this community, in addition to developing courses, we have developed tools and processes and we conduct workshops for teams who wish to develop OLI-like courses. All of the products of the project - courses, tools, development processes, workshops - are openly and freely available.

At the beginning of the article, we asked you to think about how you might participate - some ways include:

• Use the materials we have developed to support your teaching and give us feedback from your and your students experience
• Participate in our ongoing evaluative research.
• Use our tools and processes to develop extensions to the existing courses.
• Use our tools and processes to develop totally new courses or materials in your area of expertise.

We invite you to join us in this community-based research activity.