Ideas for what students will do in order to learn will emerge in the planning process, especially as you articulate and align student learning outcomes. Course activities can range from long-term projects, writing assignments or media creation, to quizzes, problem-sets and active learning activities.
Although not every activity needs to be fully conceptualized during the course design process, knowing what core activities you are likely to use will help you organize and build out the framework for your class.
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Independent Learning Activities
During the design process, many instructors invest substantial energy planning and even drafting templates and guidelines for independent learning activities. Independent learning activities are opportunities for students to learn content outside of class time. Often, these activities include required readings, watching media such as online lectures or instructional videos, listening to podcasts, or attending an event.
Consider the following when deciding which independent learning activities to include:
- Ensure the activity is accessible, such as:
- Ensuring all video is captioned and audio is transcribed
- Choosing low or no cost options
- Making sure textbooks are on reserve at the library for students who may not be able to purchase the materials
- Consider the timing of the assigned activity. For example, if you need students to have done the activity prior to coming to class, that should be made clear.
- Consider if and how you might help students stay accountable for independent learning activities