The Goal & Structure of Textbook

Chapter 6 Topics (learning objects, Modules)

What are they A topic is the lowest-level leaning object in a course. Each topic accomplishes one learning object and accomplishes it fully Typically, a topic requires a combination Absorb, Do, and Connect activities.

A more complex example

Anatomy of a topic

A simple topic

Example nit/map_menu.html nit/map_menu.html

Overview (intro)

Before (background info)

Show me (Demo)

Coach me (guided practice) This should be a number between 0-500

Let me (practice without assistance)

After (verify learning, summary & link to future)

Elements of a topic

1- Title Title is crucial (the name you choose for your topic is important) Base the title on the objective (Create=build, Decide=Pick, Do=drag&drop, Believe=why) Compose a meaningful title

Distinct (distinguished from other topics) Context-free Avoid “Setting American flag as your Powerpoint background” Use “Setting up your Powerpoint background” Understandable (avoid jargon or unfamiliar topics) Scannable (Change “how you can make friends” to “making friends” -put the important keywords first) Thematic (can predict the content and the objective) Motivational (Change “filling the form 3407” to “reducing bank fraud”)

2- Introduction Not always needed (if the topic is introduced by a previous topic) Base the introduction on the type of objective Design a good introduction

3- Have an assessment plan

4- Specify learning activities

5- Summarize the topic Include a real summary (don’t repeat the objectives) You may combine overview and summary Base the summary on the type of learning objective

6- Link to specific material Make it easy for learners to read related topics and materials Use links rather than including the information in your topic.

Link to what?

Hyperlink examples Bad example Good Example hics.php hics.php

Design components logically

Design reusable topics Reusable objects are like recipe cards. They are self contained and complete They don’t mix too many information or stray from the subject They follow a consistent format

Design consistent topics In developing your topics, standardize; Visual appearance Navigation schemes Instructional strategies Testing approaches

Integrate Foreign Modules You may just make link However, content developed by someone else following different standards will be confusing The docking module helps the foreign module fit into your course in a smooth transition

Docking Module Example

Youtube Zebrazapps Flash

Templates for topics Page provides templates for 6 types of learning objectives Create Decide Do Know Believe feell