18 topics across three layers
Browse the field by what it covers, not just by format. Foundation topics feed into Practice, which feeds into Context.
Foundation 6 topics
The scientific and engineering foundations that every learning engineer draws on.
Field Overview & History
What is LE? Origins in cognitive science, instructional design, systems engineering. ICICLE body of knowledge. Why LE is distinct from instructional design.
Learning Science Foundations
Cognitive load theory; spaced practice; retrieval; worked examples; transfer. The scientific basis for design decisions.
Systems Engineering & Human Factors
Human systems integration; HSI principles; human as top-level design constraint; MBSE; sociotechnical systems.
Learning Engineering Process
LE as iterative, evidence-based design process. Rapid prototyping; formative evaluation; A/B testing in learning contexts.
Measurement & Analytics
Learning analytics; educational data mining; psychometrics; competency assessment; performance measurement.
Knowledge Representation
Ontologies; knowledge graphs; concept maps; prerequisite relationships; competency frameworks; skill taxonomies.
Practice 7 topics
The methods, systems, and technologies learning engineers use to build and improve learning.
Intelligent Tutoring & Adaptive Systems
ITS architecture; knowledge tracing; Bayesian student models; ALEKS; Cognitive Tutor; modern DKT.
AI & Foundation Models in Learning
LLM tutors; generative feedback; AI-generated content; automated hint systems; risks and opportunities.
Simulation & Experiential Learning
Serious games; XR/VR/AR; simulation fidelity; transfer; after-action review; scenario design.
Expert Knowledge Elicitation
Cognitive task analysis; SME elicitation; tacit knowledge; PKSM; knowledge auditing; elicitation pipelines.
Workforce Development & Training Systems
Military/defense training; healthcare training; large-scale workforce upskilling; apprenticeship; on-the-job learning.
Learning Infrastructure & Platforms
LMS; xAPI/Tin Can; data interoperability; learning record stores; open standards; platform architecture.
Instructional Design & Curriculum
ADDIE; backward design; competency-based design; curriculum mapping; learning objectives taxonomy.
Context 5 topics
The domains, standards, ethics, and evidence frameworks that shape how the work is done.
High-Consequence & Complex Domains
Defense/national security; healthcare; emergency response; aviation; nuclear. Stakes of performance gaps. Human error.
Ethics, Equity & Responsible LE
Algorithmic fairness in adaptive systems; data privacy; equity in access; avoiding automation bias in assessment.
Evidence & Evaluation Standards
What counts as evidence? Level 1-4 Kirkpatrick; decision-grade evidence; reproducibility in LE research.
Standards, Credentialing & Community
IEEE ICICLE body of knowledge; LE credential pathways; professional community development; field maturation.
Research Methods & Field Development
Randomized trials in education; quasi-experimental designs; design-based research; open science; replication.