Pedagogical and conceptual design of an E-learning environment for HIV/AIDS Education

Abstract

In this paper, we present the pedagogical and conceptual design of an e-learning environment, NetAIDS, for HIV/AIDS education in Uganda. We also identify the first concrete design solutions for the NetAIDS environment, which will be later implemented and evaluated. Our focus is to analyse the first steps towards the design of the NetAIDS environment following a development research methodology. Four important design aspects for the NetAIDS environment are identified. First, the design of the environment should be based on sound pedagogical principles. In our case, we suggest a constructivist approach. Second, the design and development of technological solutions is based on the development research method for generation of a prototypical e-learning environment, which uses scaffolds and new web technologies (e.g. web 2.0.) to support Ugandan youth to learn about HIV/AIDS. Thirdly, we present a framework for designing NetAIDS environment in the context of Ugandan schools. Finally, a formative evaluation scheme is presented to provide early feedback from the users so that the designed NetAIDS environment can be modified to suit better suit the needs and requirements of the users. The conceptual and pedagogical design principles for HIV/AIDS e-learning environment can also be applied in other contexts.