TopDown Learning
Course Design & Development and eLearning
TopDown Learning is a team of qualified, experienced, and passionate education and learning specialists who specialise in curriculum and eLearning design and development.
We incorporate contemporary design principles and techniques to develop learning solutions that are immersive, engaging, inclusive, and accessible. Located in the beautiful Albury-Wodonga region, TopDown Learning works with clients across Australia and all industry sectors.
Brand Story
Every idea begins with a problem. Ours was simple: adult learning principles and methodologies have for the most part failed to keep up with evolving workplaces and skills needs. As a result, many students no longer find traditional approaches to adult learning relevant, engaging, or inspiring.
Our brand has evolved in response to our own learning journeys and experiences, as well as those of the many students and educators we have worked with. Our aim is also simple; to create high-quality, student-centred learning programs that are both compliant and engaging.
Our Model
As our name implies, we apply a top-down approach to the design and development of our curriculum frameworks and student learning experiences. Beginning 'with the end in mind' is central to our design philosophy and allows us to map clear pathways to desired project goals and learning outcomes.
“To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.”
- Steven R Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
What is the difference?
Depending on the client's needs, TopDown Learning can provide Education Design, Learning Design, and Instructional Design services. While there is no clear distinction and these terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences.
In simple terms, these may be described as:
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Education Design
Education designers typically have formal knowledge of teaching (pedagogy), learning theories, practices, and methodologies. They will often be engaged in end-to-end project management roles where they will apply their experience across a wide range of projects, contexts, and subject areas.
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Learning Design
Learning designers are generally responsible for the 'what', 'when', 'where', 'why', and 'how' of course design and development. Learning designers are responsible for many aspects of course development including the teaching and learning strategies to be used, structure, sequence, and timing of content and learning events, types and frequency of assessment and activities, and the role of technology to support learning outcomes.
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Instructional Design
Instructional designers focus on the tools, technologies, and strategies used to support and facilitate instruction. In an online learning environment this can include managing an LMS and using authoring tools to develop interactive and engaging digital assets, video, and other instructional media.
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