Learnability

This chapter discusses usability in terms of the concept of learnability, that is, what makes the content of an online learning site learnable? It considers three core issues underlying learnability: learning theory, instructional design, and curriculum choices. For learning, it proposes a model integrating comprehension, interest, and memorizing. For design, it distinguishes between representational models, illustrative cases, and simple facts. For curriculum content, it suggests focusing on structural issues and contrasts content design with process design. In looking to the future, it emphasizes information design as the true basis for learnability and places online instruction within the larger context of all instructional design.