Strategies for digital-first learning design

There is a range of digital-first learning strategies that can be applied in a HyFlex classroom.

1. Chunking content to reduce cognitive load and improve student engagement.

Chunking (also called micro-lectures when applied to video) is a form of sequential self-directed learning that involves breaking down and selecting content for sharing. Features include:

• • Breaking away from traditional lectures (online or on campus)
  • Rethinking the use of video, audio and animation tools to segment ideas into smaller bite-size chunks aligned with unit or module requirements, e.g., videos no more than 20 minutes long (pseudo lectures)
  • Creative use of text, images, hyperlinks, images, posters, graphics and other communication means

2. Astute use of file formats and accessibility across platforms and within bandwidth limits, e.g., understanding of the difference between PPT and PDF or Word and PDF.
3. Providing access to all content to all learners at all times—not privileging those who attend synchronous events.
4. Using design elements within the LMS, such as accordions, drop-downs, tabs, call-out boxes, and headings/banners, for clear communication and accessibility.
5. Inclusion of interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, H5P artefacts, and choice of student response (e.g., within the LMS or beyond using separate tools).
6. Collaborative elements that support community sharing and discourse for deeper learning using tools such as Padlet and Voicethread.

Resources to browse to learn more about chunking

Humphries, B., & Clark, D. (2021). An examination of student preference for traditional didactic or chunking teaching strategies in an online learning environment. Research in Learning Technology, 29. https://journal.alt.ac.uk/index.php/rlt/article/view/2405

Major, A., & Calandrino, T. (2018). Beyond chunking: Micro-learning secrets for effective online design. FDLA Journal, 3(1), 13. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fdla-journal/vol3/iss1/13/

Educause. (2012). 7 things you should know about microlectures. https://library.educause.edu/resources/2012/11/7-things-you-should-know-about-microlectures