Roadmaps: E-Learning Edition
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As we work to prepare e-learning experiences throughout the weeks ahead, it is wise to keep in mind the importance of providing students with a clear roadmap for each day’s learning. A coherent sense of direction around learning goals is important across all seasons of schooling, but especially valuable within the spring of challenge we currently face.
Begin each day with a video-based morning message that:
Welcomes learners to the e-learning,
Clearly identifies the goals for the day, and
Clearly conveys how the goals connect to prior learning.
Keep the message clear and concise. Conclude by directing learners to the presence of the learning roadmap (see below).
Next, create a document that clearly outlines the learning goals for the day in written form. I call this a “roadmap” and have found that it supports student learning extraordinarily well. The daily roadmap serves to orient learners as they complete each task they engage with. Utilizing the video message alongside the roadmap makes use of a strategy referred to as message abundancy. Repeating the message utilizing different modes of communication (video and print) increases the likelihood students will understand the goals for the day. This has proven to be effective for all learners, and particularly helpful to English language learners.
I have created sample roadmaps for the following grade levels:
· Undergraduate (Note: This roadmap was designed to cover a week’s worth of instruction.)
Feel free to utilize the samples as a framework for the plans you are developing for your students. I am posting them in PDF and Word form in the event it would be useful to copy /paste your own content into the pre-existing framework.
I know time is precious, so I’ll leave it at that for now. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I am here to support in whatever way I can.
Sincerely,
Maggie
P.S. Tomorrow’s post will address how to flesh out the learning goals within each assignment guide to ensure students develop a depth of understanding sufficient for each goal.