Didactical design research for teaching as a design profession

This paper builds on earlier work which explored differences between traditions in relation to teaching and learning. It outlines the development of an approach to teaching and the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in particular to support learning based on the notion of Didactical Analysis. Central to this approach is the design of teaching situations, pedagogical activities and learning environments which aim to address the what, why and how of ICT use. The discussion focuses on the nature of design, a history of didactic design, the conception of teaching as a design profession and didactic design for ICT-supported learning. The nature of design research in particular is discussed at a range of levels from the macro to the micro, involving a consideration of its role at the course or curriculum level and in relation to the individual teacher and student. These ideas form the basis of an Integrative Didactical Design (IDD) framework, and examples of the application of this philosophy and approach to the development of ICT for learning are outlined.