Quick Wins to Elevate Learning Experiences
We all want learners to have the best possible learning experiences in the courses we design. However, designing and maintaining the best content takes time and effort, which is often in short supply. Wherever we invest that time and effort, it must have an impact. Starting with “Quick Wins,” or low-effort changes with significant impact, immediately elevates the learning experience and gives you more time and space to continue improving.
Here are five “Quick Wins” that can elevate any course.
Add a Welcome Module
Providing learners with easily accessible information about the course and what is expected of them right away gets them started on the right foot and reduces confusion later. Consider including course outlines, objectives, assessment information, and contact details for instructors or facilitators, as well as resources to support students with navigating the course.
Take It Further
- Use Announcements to direct learners to the Welcome module.
- Use the Welcome Widget (part of the Homepage Widget Expansion Pack) to ensure students see the module as soon as they enter the course for the first time.
- Add a welcome video to begin building connections with learners.
Improve Visual Design
Using consistent colours, fonts, icons, and other design elements creates a clean visual design that improves readability and accessibility for learners. It reduces cognitive load by giving learners clear indicators of what to expect.
Take It Further
- Apply an HTML template for a cohesive course design. A free HTML template is available in Brightspace Community as a starting point.
- Simplify page layouts and use thoughtful chunking to reduce cognitive load.
Add Multimedia
Text-heavy content can be overwhelming for learners. Break it up by adding intentionally placed decorative images related to the content. You can also add banner images and icons to enhance the course’s cohesiveness and provide students with more visual cues. Consider linking or embedding videos, podcasts, or interactive multimedia to keep the content engaging. Adding even one or two pieces of multimedia to a course can make a significant difference for learners.
Take It Further
- Create 2–3 minute videos, audio clips, or screencasts to replace sections of text-heavy content.
- Use Creator+ or H5P to create interactive activities for learners at key points in the course.
Provide Opportunities for Reflection
Add reflection prompts at key points in the course, such as the end of modules or after important or difficult topics. Reflection reinforces learning and helps learners connect the content to their own experiences. It helps learners to apply their understanding to their own context and develop critical thinking skills that will serve them in their day-to-day lives.
Take It Further
- Use the Discussion tool to foster conversation and connection between learners.
- Use the Self-Assessment tool to encourage learners to reflect on their own learning.
- Use the Survey tool to gather anonymous feedback and reflection from learners.
Celebrate Progress
Set up Awards to recognize learners for their achievements. Badges can be linked to a range of accomplishments, such as completing a module, participating in Discussion, completing an Assignment, or achieving an exceptional grade. This builds motivation and leaves learners with a sense of accomplishment.
Take It Further
- Use Release Conditions and Intelligent Agents to manage the flow of content and support learners.
- Add feedback for specific responses or levels to multiple-choice quiz questions and rubrics to help learners improve and recognize good work.
What small changes have you made to elevate learning? I’d love to hear about it!
Want to Learn More?
Connect with your institute's D2L Customer Success Manager or Client Sales Executive, or reach out to the D2L Sales Team for more information about how Learning Services can support you on your learning journey.
Note: AI was used to brainstorm ideas for this article.