Welcome to LEML Building Blocks.
This video explains the types of building blocks used in the learning environment modeling language or LEML.
This video focuses on the building block elements of the LEML framework.
The Learning Environment Modeling Language is based on five building blocks. These building blocks are designed to represent key characteristics of learning environments. These building blocks are:
Information
Dialogue
Feedback
Practice
Evidence
These five building blocks can be combined to model diverse learning environments using a common language.
This diagram model is an example of how the LEML building blocks can be combined to create a design for a learning environment.
Let’s look at the anatomy of a LEML building block.
First the main symbol indicates the type of building block. The top text line of the building block is a brief description of that element in the learning environment.
For example, this may be listed as an overview, or chapter 1 reading, or final exam. The bottom text line is how that element is represented in the learning environment. For instance, this may describe a specific tool in a learning management system like a discussion forum, or how the element is presented in a classroom environment such as a live presentation.
These three elements communicate a tremendous amount of detail about that element within the learning environment. The building blocks that make up LEML are designed to represent as much of the learning environment as possible with the fewest number of elements.
The building block type is designed to communicate a basic taxonomy of the design of learning environments, while the descriptions input in each building block provides more concrete direction about what is represented in the learning environment.
Let’s look at each of the building blocks individually.
The information building block represents elements in the learning environment that presents information. This often includes webpages, articles, journals, videos, or animations. The goal of an information building block is often to transfer information to the learner in. In most cases, this is presented in a passive form meaning the learner consumes the content with litter interaction needed beyond navigating media.
The dialogue building block describes communication or collaboration elements within the learning environment. For example, this may include a class discussion, peer debate, or group discussion. The interaction is focus on communicating ideas or supporting collaboration processes.
The feedback building block represents opportunities where feedback is built into a learning environment. As a common example, feedback is often provided by an instructor on an assignment or essay. In contrast, an instructor may seek feedback from students about how the course is progressing and areas that they are confident in or feeling unsure of. The feedback building block represents results from another building block, mostly likely a dialogue, practice, or evidence building block.
The practice building block describes opportunities in the learning environment to apply and practice skills. This building block describes application-focused learning processes. Often this process involves creating, analyzing, solving problems and can be conducted individually or as a group. For instance, a problem set in a math class would be an example of a practice building block where the learner must practice applying a set of skills to achieve a goal. The goal driving practice building blocks is often the application and practice using knowledge or skills.
The evidence building block represents opportunities where evidence of learning is presented in the learning environment. For example, a student works several weeks to develop a persuasive essay. Several opportunities for practice were offered and the instructor contributed two rounds of feedback. The student then submits the final version of the essay to an online assignment dropbox. The essay is an example of evidence of learning. An evidence of learning building block will often be connected with a feedback building block.
As a review, the Learning Environment Modeling Language is based on five building blocks. These building blocks are designed to represent key characteristics of learning environments. These building blocks are:
Information
Dialogue
Feedback
Practice
Evidence
