Standard 3b

✔️ Learning material is organized and grouped into meaningful blocks of information (chunks) that are neither too lengthy, nor too fragmented and separated.

Review These Explanations

Organizing learning material into meaningful chunks is crucial for effective online education. This approach aligns with cognitive processing principles, as smaller sections enhance working memory and improve information recall (Munyofu et al., 2007). Additionally, breaking down content into manageable chunks reduces cognitive load, making it easier for learners to comprehend and retain information, as suggested by Harper et al. (2009). The strategic use of white space and thoughtful organization not only improves visual presentation but also ensures adaptability to various delivery modes, particularly for mobile devices. This user-friendly approach facilitates smoother navigation, contributing to a positive learning experience and aligns with online course quality standards. Ultimately, well-organized content promotes optimal learning outcomes by catering to the cognitive needs and preferences of online learners.

 

Refresh Your Course with These Ideas

General Suggestions:
  • Edit out unnecessary information.
  • Add a “More to Explore” area at the bottom of each learning asset page in your course and add any recommended (not required) materials down the page.
  • Read through the content in your course and take notice of where you think there should be more breaks.
  • Create an outline or a concept map to identify main topics and subtopics, grouping related concepts together.
  • Arrange the material in a logical sequence that follows a natural flow of concepts.
  • Use clear headings and subheadings to break down content, ensuring each represents a distinct topic or idea.
  • Maintain consistency in formatting, such as font styles, colors, and spacing.
  • Present information using bullet points and lists to highlight key points.
  • Incorporate visuals like diagrams, charts, and graphs to represent/support complex information.
  • Integrate interactive elements such as quizzes, discussions, or activities to keep learners engaged.
  • Provide contextual information or real-world examples to illustrate abstract concepts.
  • Incorporate quizzes or assessments after each chunk to gauge learner comprehension and adjust the organization based on feedback from assessments
  • Leave out any unnecessary links or graphics that clutter up the visual space.
  • Step back from your screen and look at your course pages. Squint your eyes and see if there is enough white space around the content on the page to balance the weight of the rest of the content on the page.
  • Do a working memory check and read through your content. Note how much you can remember, and what did not stick. Consider chunking the content differently to maximize recall.

Examples

Idea from the Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository (TOPR) at the University of Central Florida (UCF)

This Pedagogical Practice from TOPR explores approaches to organizing and structuring online course content into smaller chunks to benefit learner success.

Chunking Your Course to Sizable Content

How should you organize your online course content? Based on cognitive information processing (CIP) research (Mayer, 2001 & 2005), it is recommended to break down information into smaller, more manageable pieces or “chunks.” (Read more …)

Canvas Examples


References:

Harper, S., Michailidou, E., & Stevens, R. (2009). Toward a definition of visual complexity as an implicit measure of cognitive load. ACM Transactions on Applied Perception, 6(2), 1–18.

Munyofu, M. M., Swain, W. J., Ausman, B. D., Lin, H., Kidwai, K., & Dwyer, F. (2007). The effect of different chunking strategies in complementing animated instruction. Learning, Media & Technology, 32(4), 407-419.

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