Annotated Bibliography 

The source material I selected includes a range of scholarly literature that focus on learning theory and practice, as well as the application of design principles. As a teacher, my initial focus was on understanding how second language learners acquire and process knowledge. I also explored how eLearning development can be effectively studied to create materials that facilitate the retention of knowledge and skills among learners. Additionally, I delved into the relationship between motivation and learning in virtual environments, as it is a crucial factor in student engagement. Finally, I examined backward design practices from the broader field of learning and how they can be aligned with instructional design principles to enhance the effectiveness of instruction. 

Dirksen, Julie. Design for How People Learn. New Riders, 2016. 

This book delves into the pedagogy of designing meaningful e-learning experiences, exploring the intricacies of the design process and how it can be optimized to enhance skills acquisition and knowledge retention for learners. Relevant chapters in the context of the research question delve into understanding learner needs, identifying knowledge gaps, and addressing the motivations and attitudes of learners to create effective instructional materials. 

Franklin, Jennifer L. “MVP and Instructional Systems Design in Online Courses.” New Directions for Teaching & Learning, vol. 2017, no. 152, Winter 2017, pp. 39–52. 

In this chapter of Franklin's book, the author explores how advancements in technology offer opportunities to enhance motivation, volition, and performance (MVP) in the context of language learning. These concepts are crucial as many K-12 students often lack the motivation to learn, making it essential to address motivational issues effectively. This chapter is significant to the research as it examines how effective instructional design can mitigate these motivational issues in the K-12 setting. Furthermore, this chapter aligns with Wiggins and McTighe's (2005) concept of backward design, emphasizing the importance of establishing terminal learning objectives as a key element for success in the instructional design process. 

Goodwin, Bryan, et al. Learning That Sticks: A Brain-Based Model for K-12 Instructional Design and Delivery. ASCD, 2020. 

This book provides an introduction to evidence-based strategies that elucidate how the brain acquires and processes new information. The research presented in this text pertaining to cognitive processes of understanding will be linked to the effective delivery of information in an online learning environment. Although the book does not specifically focus on e-learning, it emphasizes the importance of making data salient for effective learning. Goodwin's work highlights six instructional strategies aimed at enhancing the retention of learned material. The overarching concepts of each method will be critically analyzed for their effectiveness in addressing the capstone research questions. 

Honigsfeld, Andrea. Growing Language and Literacy: Strategies for English Learners, 1st ed., Heinemann, 2020. 

This source presents accessible information for all teachers of English language learners. Honigsfeld (2020) provides a comprehensive overview of ELLs and their abilities at each World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) proficiency scale level. The text offers a range of strategies for scaffolding learning at each proficiency level to enhance language and literacy skills. In addition to its informative content, the book includes visual aids such as classroom strategies and activities. Overall, this resource provides practical and evidence-based guidance for educators seeking to improve the educational experiences of ELLs in their classrooms. 

Keller, John M., and Katsuaki Suzuki. “Learner Motivation and E-Learning Design: A Multinational Validated Process.” Journal of Educational Media, vol. 29, no. 3, Oct. 2004, pp. 229–39. 

This book offers an in-depth introduction to evidence-based strategies that shed light on the cognitive processes involved in acquiring and processing new information in the brain. The insights gained from this research will be connected to the effective delivery of information in the context of online learning environments. While the book does not exclusively focus on e-learning, it underscores the significance of making data salient to optimize learning outcomes. The author, Goodwin, presents six instructional strategies that aim to enhance the retention of learned material. The overarching concepts of each strategy will be thoroughly examined and critically analyzed in light of their effectiveness in addressing the capstone research questions. 

Keller, John M. “The MVP Model: Overview and Application.” New Directions for Teaching & Learning, vol. 2017, no. 152, Winter 2017, pp. 13–26.

In the opening chapter of Keller's book, the author provides an overview of his theory of motivation, volition, and performance, emphasizing their crucial role in the instructional design process. The understanding of motivational design principles will be employed to develop effective motivational strategies within the instructional design process. This chapter serves as a foundation for integrating motivational elements into instructional design practices, aligning with scholarly research on motivation in education.


Krashen, Stephen D. Second Language Acquisition and Second Language Learning. Pergamon Press, 1981. 

Krashen's influential theory on acquisition and learning offers valuable insights for educators seeking to understand the developmental process of English language learners. These principles should be carefully considered when designing instructional materials that are relevant and authentic. Krashen emphasizes the importance of meaningful interaction with the target language, including the provision of comprehensible input. This scholarly work serves as a valuable resource for educators striving to create effective instructional practices for English language learners, aligning with current research in the field of second language acquisition. 

Krug, Steve. Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability. Pearson Education, 2013. 

Although this book is primarily intended for web developers as a guide to usability, the principles discussed in relation to interface navigation and information design have significant implications for the field of instructional design. Specifically, these principles can be applied to the organization of learning management systems and the development of online courses. The insights gleaned from this scholarly work shed light on how effective interface design and information organization can enhance the usability of instructional materials and promote optimal learning outcomes. This book serves as a valuable resource for instructional designers seeking to apply principles of usability in the development of effective online learning experiences. 

Mor, Yishay, and Brock Craft. “Learning Design: Reflections Upon the Current Landscape.” Research in learning technology 20.sup1 (2012): 19196–10. 

In this article, Mor and Craft delve into the critical issues that arise in the field of learning design. Major themes such as methods, tools, and theoretical frameworks are examined in-depth, shedding light on the challenges faced by educators in the realm of design practices in education. The insights provided in this article serve as a valuable resource for instructional designers and educators who are tasked with designing course materials for language learners. By considering these key issues, practitioners can avoid potential pitfalls and ensure that their instructional design practices align with current research and best practices in the field of education. 

Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development (ED), Policy and Program Studies Service. Creating Educational Technology for English Learners. Developer Toolkit. Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, US Department of Education, 2018. 

This toolkit, developed by the Department of Education, offers valuable insights into the specific needs of English language learners in the context of technology design. The information provided in this toolkit serves as a crucial resource for the research project, as it offers guidance and strategies to reduce barriers associated with the use of technology in the classroom for English learners. By aligning instructional design practices with the principles and supports listed in this toolkit, educators can better address the unique needs of English language learners and ensure that their instructional materials are inclusive, accessible, and effective in supporting English language acquisition. 

Prensky, Marc. “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants.” On the Horizon, vol. 9, no. 5, 2001, pp. 1–6. 

Despite being written two decades ago, Prensky's research provides valuable insights that challenge the notion of digital natives automatically possessing proficiency in digital literacy. Prensky illustrates how language learners, including English language learners, require scaffolding and support as they navigate digital processes. This article serves as a cautionary reminder for the e-learning project, emphasizing the need to avoid assumptions that the same instructional methods that work with teachers and native English speakers will necessarily yield similar results with language learners. It underscores the importance of tailoring instructional approaches to the unique needs and characteristics of the target audience, including language learners, to ensure effective and inclusive e-learning experiences. 

Rao, Kavita, and Caroline Torres. “Supporting Academic and Affective Learning Processes for English Language Learners with Universal Design for Learning.” TESOL Quarterly 51.2 (2017): 460–472. 

This article delves into the critical aspect of designing lessons that take into account the diverse language needs of English as a Second Language (ESL) students, ranging from newcomers to long-term language learners and those with formal interrupted education. The article also draws connections with the principles of universal design, which will be diligently considered during the development of e-learning materials for ESL students. These guidelines serve as a valuable framework for creating more engaging and inclusive opportunities for language learners to effectively engage with digital materials. By applying these principles, the instructional design process can be optimized to accommodate the varying linguistic backgrounds and learning needs of ESL students, ultimately enhancing their learning experiences in the digital environment. 

Taylor, Barry P. “Teaching ESL: Incorporating a Communicative, Student-Centered Component.” TESOL Quarterly 17.1 (1983): 69–88. 

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the theories of communicative teaching in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. The communicative approach, which prioritizes student-centered instruction, is still highly relevant and applicable to contemporary research projects. The principles elucidated in this article will be diligently considered and applied during the design of e-learning materials for language learners. Even in the virtual learning environment, the importance of student-centered teaching is paramount, as it facilitates meaningful engagement, active participation, and effective language acquisition. By incorporating these principles into the instructional design process, the e-learning materials can be optimized to align with the communicative teaching approach, ultimately enhancing the learning experiences of language learners in the online setting.


Wiggins, Grant, and Jay Mctighe. Understanding by Design. 2nd ed., Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, 2005. 

Understanding by Design presents a comprehensive exploration of the principles of backward design in instructional planning. In the context of e-learning materials development, these principles are highly relevant and will be effectively employed to guide design decisions. The process of backward design involves starting with the desired learning outcomes and working backward to create a coherent plan, including the assessment of student learning. This approach will be thoughtfully applied in the development of virtual learning materials, ensuring that the instructional design is aligned with the desired learning outcomes and that the assessment strategies are appropriately aligned with the instructional goals. By employing the principles of backward design, the e-learning materials can be effectively and efficiently developed, resulting in a coherent, engaging, and impactful learning experience for the students.