The Goal & Structure of Textbook

Chapter 6 Topics (learning objects, Modules)

Example nit/map_menu.html nit/map_menu.html

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.

Anatomy of a topic

A simple topic

A more complex example

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- Test learning in the topic

4- 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 related 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?

What other information may help the learners? Explain the step

Limit free-form hyperlinks free-form hyperlinks are hierarchical. Also known as nested links would confuse learners Instead of providing a search tool, suggest “search terms” to learners to find further info. Use metadata- Meta data are descriptive labels that the designers use to facilitate searching topics by learners Two metadata items are specially important ; Keywords and descriptions

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

What to include in a docking module

Players, Plugins, Add ins, Cookies, Browsers

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

In class activity Use one of the templates at the end of chapter 6 to create a learning object (topic). 1- In order to do so you need to create a webpage. 2- Your topic should have the following features – Title – Introduction (goal) – Content (absorb activity) – Summary – Connect Activity – Do Activity – Guided activity (coach me) – Links to (background theory or basic rules, prerequisites, definitions, exceptions, details) – Foreign modules (Docking module) 3- Read and implement the criteria for each of the above elements from the textbook or my Powerpoint.