D301: Developing an E-Learning Solution and Research Methodology

Developing an E-Learning Solution and Research Methodology moves the capstone into building and testing — prototyping a real solution while designing an ethical research methodology to evaluate it.

What D301 covers

The course is the second of three capstone courses in the program, focusing on the next two phases of the design-based research process: designing and developing an e-learning solution and designing a research methodology to test how well the solution addressed the instructional problem.

The course requires learners to continue applying Design Thinking as they ideate potential solutions and begin prototyping a module of instruction, and teaches how to design research studies that ensure the safety of human subjects and the ethical collection, storage, and reporting of data.

The D301 performance assessment

Expect a performance assessment requiring you to develop an e-learning solution prototype and design an ethical research methodology to evaluate its effectiveness.

Key topics in D301

• Solution ideation and prototyping
• Research methodology design
• Human-subjects safety and data ethics

Writing tips for D301

Follow the task instructions and rubric line by line

WGU performance assessments for D301 are graded against a fixed rubric — every rubric line has to be visibly addressed, usually with a labeled heading that mirrors the rubric language. Skipping a rubric point because it seems minor is the single most common reason a competent submission comes back "Not Yet Competent" for revision.

Ground design decisions in a specific learner population and instructional problem

Learning Experience Design courses like D301 typically ask you to apply Design Thinking or instructional design models to a specific learner population and problem, not design in the abstract. Evaluators are checking whether your reasoning fits that concrete audience and problem, not a generic e-learning module.

Because WGU is self-paced, don't let "no deadline pressure" become no submission

There's no weekly due date forcing progress, which means procrastination costs more at WGU than at a traditional term-based school — a stalled task can quietly eat weeks of a term. Treat your own target date for each D301 assessment as a real deadline.

Why students seek help with D301

Candidates sometimes design a solution and methodology without addressing human-subjects safety and data ethics explicitly — the rubric typically wants that ethical framework shown, not assumed as implicit.

How GradeEssays helps with D301

Share your instructional problem and rubric, and your writer will build a solution prototype and research methodology with genuine attention to human-subjects safety and data ethics.

Prerequisites and program context

D301 requires Identifying Learner Needs and a Research Problem (D300) as a prerequisite.

• Master of Education, Education Technology and Instructional Design

Related courses