Modeling Learning Environment Layers

Modeling Learning Environment Layers

I am working with an instructor to redesign an existing course.  The project is limited in time and heavy on with needed revisions.  The instructor has a busy schedule and needs the project to move rapidly.  I began by identifying the outcomes of the course and the chapter modules.  In the image below you will see three pieces of evidence.  Each chapter module will have a quiz and a case study homework assignment.  The course will end with a comprehensive final.

Next, I added elements that contribute to the strategy in the course or in other words, the pieces of information, practice assessments, discussions and feedback.  

Finally, the elements are connected using system feedback, peer interaction and instructor feedback and the environment is identified as online asynchronous.  Each student will begin the chapter modules with a diagnostic quiz [with auto feedback] prior to reviewing the chapter objectives and listening to a podcast from the instructor.  Additional information is provided and may vary from module to module.  Following multiple opportunities for practice and feedback, a group discussion will incorporate both peer and instructor feedback.  The module will conclude with a graded quiz and a homework assignment and the course ends with a comprehensive final.    This repeating pattern for the strategy and system layers will provide much needed consistency in a content heavy course.

In conclusion, using the layer approach is helpful both for an instructional designer and an instructor.   I used the associated questions for each layer to drive the planning conversation with the instructor and found it made the process more efficient.