This qualitative study investigated the extent to which a diverse sub-set of e-learning designers were aware of UX principles and practices, where their e-learning design practices overlapped with established UX practices, and where UX principles might benefit e-learning designers. E-learning has grown dramatically as an area of focus in instructional design within the last decade and a half. This growth suggests a need for a better understanding of design tools, concepts and principles that can guide an e-learning designer to design better and more effective instruction. One field of design that has potentially had an impact on e-learning design recently is user experience (UX) design. Both fields of UX and e-learning are concerned with designing interactions with technology, but while there are some shared ideas and terms between the two, there has been no research into the perceptions and understanding of UX tools by practicing instructional designers. Nine professional e-learning designers were interviewed to understand their perspective and experience.The findings of this study resulted in four themes and several subthemes. In general the participants of the study were not familiar with the formal practices of UX design. Many were also not familiar with several of the seminal works of the UX design field. The emergent themes suggest there are similar concerns between UX design and e-learning design. There were varying perceptions of the role of an e-learning designer as well as a broad spectrum of perception of what qualifies as good e-learning design. Participants reported the e-learning design field has numerous practitioners who lack formal training in instructional design principles in addition to limited training in other design disciplines. Participants also discussed constraints that could impact their ability to embrace UX practices. Findings suggest e-learning design practitioners and students of the field would likely benefit from a greater awareness of, or even formal training in UX practices. Additional research into the shared practices of UX and e-learning design could also likely open new opportunities to advance the practice of e-learning design.

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This thesis offers an assessment design for collaborative learning, utilisation of blended learning support through current communication technologies and highlights the crucial role of the tutor. The thesis designed and tested a theoretical framework which encompassed an active learning environment and resulted in the development of the shamrock conceptual framework. To test the theoretical framework, clarify the role of the tutor and the impact on the learner experience two studies were undertaken using pedagogical models that combined the concepts of learner-centric, sociocultural and dialogic perspectives on collaborative learning and technology in meeting the needs of learners in the 21st Century. In the first study, the role of the tutor was found to be crucial in setting, implementing and guiding learners using the assessment design as part of a social constructivist pedagogical practice. The pedagogical approach adopted was to blend face-to-face and Wiki learning experiences and was found to promote learner ownership, engagement and the fostering of a learning community. The second study validated the first and provided additional asynchronous technology experiences in addition to the Wiki blend in the assessment design. Study 2 examined the role of the tutor and the learner whilst using current technologies comprising podcasts and video and a Wiki in the collaborative experience. Findings showed that the Wiki supported community and collaborative aspects of a sociocultural practice whilst learners were engaged in authentic learning activities and led to a well supported learning environment. The importance of technology design and use to accommodate collaborative and community aspects was found to be an essential component. It was found that technology is not simply an add-on but rather needs to be planned and considered purposefully by both tutors and learners when used in a blend to supplement learning on campus as part of an assessment design in higher education. This study has shown that, for this to happen, academics need to be provided with the appropriate support, knowledge and skills required in developing a blended learning experience using a Wiki supplemented by class contact on campus as part of an assessment design.