EDF1401 Foundations of learning design and technology
Faculty of Education
EDF1401 Foundations of learning design and technology is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Education, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 5 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EDF1401
No prerequisites or corequisites.
After EDF1401
5 units list EDF1401 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
Learning designers are creative problem solvers. They draw on a broad range of theories, strategies and technologies to develop engaging experiences for learners of all ages and across a variety of contexts.
In this unit you will explore the role of learning designers and the methods they employ over the life cycle of a design - from initial ideas to ongoing evaluations. You will also learn about key concepts, theories and models that form a foundation in the design of effective learning experiences. This includes principles of curriculum design, the construction of effective learning objectives and the implications of in-person, online, hybrid and other modes of educational delivery. You will also be exposed to some of the key debates and myths surrounding learning, learners, and educational technologies. Through the exploration of research, theory and examples of best practice you will begin to develop the ability to critically evaluate learning designs.
By the end of this unit, you will have a richer understanding of what it means to be a learning designer and have developed the foundational knowledge and skills that will support you in creating and evaluating your own designs.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Case study of one learning designer or design team (1200 words or equivalent)Written30%
- Learning objectives – quiz (400 words or equivalent)Quiz / Test10%
- Structured essay (2400 words or equivalent)Portfolio60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
define the role of learning designers and learning design across a range of industries
- 2
explain the key theories and models used by learning designers including constructive alignment
- 3
construct effective learning objectives
- 4
engage in several of the key debates in the field including those around learners, modes of delivery, assessment and technologies
- 5
identify strengths and weaknesses of learning designs, including modes of delivery, using an evidence-base of literature and examples from practice
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study.
Usually, you can expect to engage with:
- 24 hours of scheduled learning delivered on campus via weekly/regular directed learning activities; and
- the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study
Scheduled learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
You will be provided with the opportunity to engage with relevant literature and resources. Further, you will be encouraged to deepen your understanding of topic areas through, collegial discussion and debate, and by participating in activities designed to extend your understanding.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Please visit the unit Moodle site for further information.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Michael Henderson
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Michael Henderson
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EDF1401?
EDF1401 has no prerequisites.
What can I take after EDF1401?
EDF1401 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 5 units, including EDF2401, EDF2405, EDF3404, EDF3405 and EDF3406.
When is EDF1401 offered?
In 2026, EDF1401 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is EDF1401?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EDF1401 have an exam?
No. EDF1401 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.