Supporting High-Level Learning Through Research-Based Methods: A Framework for Course Development

An educational development project has been designed to encourage staff in research-led universities to use learning technologies in their teaching. The possible links between research and teaching are explored and the centrality of learning is noted. A distinction is made between 'adoptive' and 'adaptive' learning and the relationship of these terms to 'deep' and 'surface' learning considered. Some principles for a research-based educational framework are proposed and the importance of assessment emphasized. Uses of learning technologies that support adoptive and adaptive learning are outlined and issues for further study are identified.