What is the belief held by M. David Merrill regarding his "first principles of instruction"?

M. David Merrill's "first principles of instruction" focus on the fundamental elements that should underlie effective instructional design. This belief emphasizes the versatility of these principles, asserting that they can be applied across a variety of learning environments and with different technologies.

The core idea is that the first principles serve as a foundation for effective instruction, rather than being limited to specific technologies or teaching methods. This makes them adaptable and relevant not just in technology-enhanced teaching but in all educational contexts—whether using traditional or modern methods. By allowing for flexibility in implementation, Merrill's principles emphasize that good instructional design can occur in any learning setting, underscoring their broad applicability in diverse instructional scenarios.