YOUR GUIDE FOR DESIGNING STUDENT FRIENDLY LEARNING MAP

Transcription

1 YOUR GUIDE FOR DESIGNING STUDENT FRIENDLY LEARNING MAP Learning map is actually a version of a mind map used as a teaching aid for designing an online interactive learning content. However, for providing maximum efficiency of a Leaning map we must design it properly. In this guide we ll show you how you can design Learning map with Edynco tool.

2 CONTENTS: 1. Before starting creating Learning maps, you should STRUCTURE YOUR ENTIRE SUBJECT Creating a Learning map for EACH SINGLE LESSON 6 3. Creating EACH SINGLE NODE 8 4. COLORS give power to the Learning map

3 Ok, you have to prepare an online interactive learning content for your subject matter and you don t know where to start. You gathered all your learning materials (documents, ppt, videos, useful links etc. ) and now what? A. Would you recreate all of your learning material from scratch? or B. Would you reuse and curate the existing learning materials? Probably it is less expensive and time consuming it you choose B. But you want to give your learners useful learning experience, not just the access to your learning materials, is that right? There are several tools enabling you to connect existing learning materials in a meaningful and interactive way. The one presented here is Edynco s Learning map tool. 3

4 1. Before starting creating Learning maps, you should STRUCTURE YOUR ENTIRE SUBJECT Learning map is built from nodes, arrows, symbols, images, colors in order to organize information in a visual, meaningful way. NODE is the core element of a Learning map. Before starting creating Learning maps, we suggest you to create an outline of your entire subject in a form of a mind map (Picture 1), where you divide your content into: 1. Independent lessons (main nodes) and 2. Independent topics (second or third level nodes). When structuring your topic you should consider specific learning objective, why should learner know something, what does he have to do to accomplish the single learning objective. For every single answer prepare one node. 4

5 Picture 1: An example of structuring a subject Business communication Once you have structured your subject, start preparing a separate Learning map for each single lesson. 5

6 2. Creating a Learning map for EACH SINGLE LESSON For every node or sub node in your lesson prepare a learning activity that meets learning objective. Usually we prepare and combine different ways of explaining the topic to appeal different learning styles: - Reading, watching or listening activities (textbook, blog, report, video, micro lecture, slideshow, audio, etc.) Absorb type activities - Exercise activities (quizzes, case studies, simulations, games, etc.) - Applying activities (questioning activities, etc.) Do or connect type activities Main nodes usually include absorb type activities and second or third level nodes include do or connect type activities. 6

7 The example below shows preparation of a Learning map with Edynco tool for Verbal and Non-verbal communication, which represents ONE LESSON in our outline. Picture 2: An example of preparing a Learning map for one single lesson Verbal and non-verbal communication 7

8 3. Creating EACH SINGLE NODE As we said in the beginning of this guide, we already have gathered all the material in different formats. The easiest way would be simply to attach all this materials into Learning map s nodes, but this is not enough. If you use content curation techniques you will be able to enrich those materials with essential facts/insights which results in a far better understanding on learner s side. So combine the attached material and the fact/insight inside of your node. The NODE is actually a container which holds essential data defined as such by the educator. These data should be presented with: - A headline containing keywords, which quickly explains the main idea. It helps learners to memorize the location of the information and guides their attention, - Short summary/explanation which could be accompanied with corresponding graphic located close to the text and - Link to the additional sources (video, pdf, blog post, etc.). Supporting information should be prepared in an easy to digest format, like narrated graphics, video or other carefully curated content. When you are preparing the summary/explanation ask yourself what is the most essential information/knowledge your learner should grasp to be able to do something. We suggest making summary/explanation through examples or stories. 8

9 See the example of how the one node should be prepared. Picture 3: An example of a node's structure The main skill educator should master here is to be short and concise giving facts/insights and leaving more in-depth explanation to the attached source. This is important because, when the learner is returning back to review a specific node, he only needs some key points to refresh his memory which at the end facilitates information recall. 9

10 4. COLORS give power to the Learning map Edynco offers broad array of templates for designing your Learning map. You can also start designing completely new layout for your Learning map. If you choose to design your own layout, than you should know something about choosing the right colors. Learning Map by its form is a strong visual tool. But with incorrect combination of colors it can quickly cause an indigestible learning experience. Learning Maps usually consists of 4-5 main nodes and no more than 3 sub-nodes on every main node. Picture 4: An example of using monochromatic color scheme for each group of nodes If one node with its sub-nodes represents one topic, we should use monochromatic color scheme (Picture 4) for this topic, starting with darker and proceed to lighter tones. Thus you present the structure of the topic. 10

11 Colors from the same scheme could also be used for node s title or summary/instruction text (Picture 5). Picture 5: An example of using the same color scheme for node s title We mustn t forget branches same color as nodes (Picture 6). Thus we create the consistent look that helps learners to connect and remember information. Learners can recall information more easily when supported with color. Picture 6: An example of using the same color scheme for branches 11

12 When using Learning Map for presenting steps of some procedure, than analogous color scheme (Picture 7) would be the best choice. Picture 7: An example of using analogous color scheme for presenting steps I would also recommend avoiding pure hues for main nodes, and using desaturated ones instead. They are not so harsh for the eyes. Don t forget on backgrounds of the Learning Map. White or light gray can be a little bit dull and unfriendly. Use other neutral background to create more domestic, warm environment. Colors visually guide learners to locate, compare, understand and recall information faster. So choose colors carefully to help your learners to achieve the goal. 12

13 5. CONCLUSION So instead of creating interactive learning content using slides, we convert everything into a map, which prevents learners to get lost. Numbers and arrows represent natural aid and learners don t need any special guidelines. Learning map is like shorthand - remembering the shape of the Learning map which facilitates quick information recall. All visual, multimedia and interactive elements keep learners engaged and motivated. Learning map is a great tool, which helps teacher to easy consolidate information from multiple sources in a highly visual and interactive format. It could be used before the beginning of the class so that learners can study the topic by themselves and come to classes prepared. It could be used during the class as a support in implementing the exercises. It could be used after the class for learners to refresh the knowledge, ask questions and practice. Now it s your turn Engage your learners with Learning maps. Start designing your own Learning maps with Edynco. 13