Implement

In the previous section, you considered how the learning design may incorporate technology. Now you need to make it happen! There are professionals whose role is to create the multimedia environment, and you may be able to enlist their support, or it may be up to you to create a cohesive, engaging digital learning environment yourself. In this section we offer some resources that may be useful, especially if you don't have web support at your institution.

Site design: LMS/VLE

The starting point for creating your digital learning environment in higher education is typically the Learning Management System, also known as in the UK as a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Here are some resources to help you get started with site design:

In addition, don’t forget that there’s a wealth of site design experience on the Internet. You can make the most of the environment and learn from past mistakes. There are various aspects of web design that you may want to consider in order to enhance the student experience.

Navigation and user experience design

The most important aspect of navigation and user experience that you will need to implement is the learning flow or learning journey for students. Consider how students access your activities and materials. For example, consider a weekly design so that students are clear about what to do in a particular point in time, with additional quick links to important parts (e.g. assessments). The use of graphics (including icons), tables, links and a clear menu structure can clearly indicate how students should be progressing through your site.

Use of multimedia

The use of media can help to explain your content and, according to Mayer (2014) Links to an external site., can also help to motivate students when used effectively. Leonard (n.d.) explores student use of video in education in a white paper [pdf, 280KB] Links to an external site.. If you are required to create graphics and video:

Open Educational Resources (OERs) - reusing existing materials 

Quite often you won’t have the time or resources to create multimedia or learning objects from scratch. A good solution is to reuse existing materials that are freely available. Make sure though that you refer to the copyright section below so as not to be in breach of the copyright rules. There are a range of materials available, including:

Copyright

The most important aspect to consider when reusing existing materials is the copyright implications. In Australia you can use the Open Education Licensing (OEL) Toolkit Links to an external site. as a guide.

Writing for the web

Writing for online reading and learning typically requires a much more concise writing style. Here are some guides:

Evaluation

In your unit design, consider the importance of obtaining student feedback. You may want to use a survey, quiz or feedback tool within your Learning Management System or Virtual Learning Environment, or there may be other tools supported by your institution. You may not need to wait until students have completed your whole unit, for example, consider obtaining feedback early on if you are trying a new tool or technique. There will also be other ways in which your unit design can be evaluated – find out what is available or relevant in your institution. Module 11. Scholarly teaching and the scholarship of teaching contains a section on evaluation.

 

Image source: https://pixabay.com/en/student-typing-keyboard-text-woman-849827/