A Systematic Review on Recent Pedagogical Principles for Designing Digital Learning Environments: Proposing the SAFE Model.

Background: While numerous models propose principles for designing digital learning environments (DLEs), most remain fragmented, unifaceted, or insufficiently grounded in pedagogical theory and empirical evidence. This fragmentation has left a clear gap—a lack of an integrated, empirically based fra...

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Publicado en:Journal of Computer Assisted Learning Vol. 42; no. 2; pp. 1 - 20
Autores principales: Mazandarani, Amir Ali, Taghaddomi, Mohammad Shahin
Formato: research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Apr2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Apr2026
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      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
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        atl: A Systematic Review on Recent Pedagogical Principles for Designing Digital Learning Environments: Proposing the SAFE Model.
      aug:
        au:
          Mazandarani, Amir Ali
          Taghaddomi, Mohammad Shahin
        affil: Department of Behavioral Sciences, The Institute for Research and Development in the Humanities (SAMT), Tehran, Iran
      sug:
        subj:
          Education, Non-Traditional
          Educational Technology
          Teaching Methods
          Learning Environment
          Models, Educational
          Curriculum Development
          Learning Methods
          Iran
          Human
          Systematic Review
          Psycinfo
          Self-Directed Learning
          Feedback Education
          Cognition Education
          Social Learning Theory
          Cultural Competence Education
          Professional Practice, Evidence-Based
      ab: Background: While numerous models propose principles for designing digital learning environments (DLEs), most remain fragmented, unifaceted, or insufficiently grounded in pedagogical theory and empirical evidence. This fragmentation has left a clear gap—a lack of an integrated, empirically based framework that unites diverse pedagogical insights into a coherent model for effective DLE design. Objectives: To synthesize the findings from previous studies and offer evidence‐based pedagogical recommendations for any future course of action, this study presents a systematic review of pedagogical frameworks, models, and sets of principles for designing DLEs, culminating in the proposal of a comprehensive model. Methods: The review spanned from 2010 to 2024, employing the PRISMA method to distil key insights from 42 selected articles; the quantitative phase classified the records in terms of participants, methodology, validation, scope, and comprehensiveness. The qualitative phase employed thematic analysis to explore the included studies in the first phase and discover the needed components to propose a comprehensive model. Results and Conclusions: The quantitative results highlight a focus on higher education, methodological diversity, varied levels of coverage and comprehensiveness, and a significant proportion not employing robust validation methods. The qualitative synthesis resulted in the SAFE Model—comprising Situated Engagement, Aligned Curriculum, Facilitated Learning, and Empowered Learners—which integrates theoretical and empirical insights into a unified pedagogical model. The model advances theory by reconciling key theoretical tensions and supports practice by guiding educators, instructional designers, and policymakers in creating coherent, evidence‐based digital learning strategies. Lay Description: What is currently known about this topic? ○Many models for digital learning exist, but often lack pedagogical focus.○There's a need for multifaceted digital education principles.What does this paper add? ○Introduces the SAFE Model for digital learning environments○Synthesizes research to offer evidence‐based recommendations.Implications for practice or policy ○The SAFE Model guides the design of effective digital courses.○It serves as a policy framework for digital education strategies.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        systematic review
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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