Stage 1 >  Lesson 3  > Page 2  > Step 3  of the Planning Sequence (Backward Design)

 
Step 3: Plan the learning experiences and instruction

Theory
Learning Activity 1: Compare the examples
Learning Activity 2: Search for resources

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Self-study Materials
Handout :  Understanding by Design by Wiggins and McTighe

Teaching for Understanding by David Perkins

Textbook:

Theory

  • What activities will equip students with the needed knowledge and skills?
  • What materials and resources are best suited to accomplish these objectives?
  • Is your overall design coherent?

A strength of an online course is that the instructor can incorporate interactive activities into the lessons -- tap the strengths of computer technology.  

(By the way, we all know that some online courses can be as static as learning from a well-organized (electronic) book where most students find it boring and difficult.)

However, it is important to note that not every style of representation is appropriate for a lesson. 

Consider the following examples that might be used in a lesson (e.g. Exponential functions)

 
Representations Explanation Examples
Animations Simple animations can act as demonstration of a concept. Bacteria growth (exponential growth and decay)

 
Interactive Displays An interactive display can be as simple as a fill-in the blank submission or a tool. The Andromeda Strain (fill-in the blank)

Online graphing tool (Java applet, from EMOL1)

 
Simulations Simulations are more complicated. A simulation maybe used to present information and guide the learner, to guide and practice, or to assess a learner's knowledge. Habitat of fish

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Learning Activity 1: Compare the examples

Using the above example websites, compare the attributes of each presentation. Answer the following questions for each of the example

 
Questions Animation Interactive Display Simulation
What would a student learn by viewing/ interacting with this representation?
What difficulties might a student have in manipulating this representation?
What supporting information (help) would be needed to use this representation?
How would you assess the students understanding for this representation? 

 

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Learning Activity 2: Search for resources

Using a web search engine (e.g. www.google.com),  find online resources that can provide you with examples of animations, interactive displays, and/or simulations. 

Create a list of the most promising sites that matches your project content.

Resources list for EMOL1(exponential function) and EMOL2 (inquiry cycle of design)

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