Content Development and Delivery

When it comes to learning, there is no “one size fits all” approach. So for your online, hybrid, or residential course, it is important to incorporate a range of modalities so that students have multiple ways to engage and learn. For example, in addition to lectures, group discussions, and other collaborative activities, leveraging videos to explain complex material is especially effective.

Multimodal Instruction is just what its name suggests; it provides multiple modes of instruction, including verbal, graphic, numeric, or multimedia, to expose students to the same concept repeatedly. Multimodal instruction enhances learning in two ways: first, by allowing students to experience learning in the way they are most comfortable, and second, by challenging students to experience and learn in other ways (Picciano, 2009).

Everyone knows the expression, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Consider how much more value can be added to a picture if you can interact with it. Research indicates that “Although useful, static visualizations may still fall short of being able to engage students in exploratory activities that are conducive to positive learning experiences” (Sedig et al., 2010).

Have you ever heard these words: “Will this be on the test?” or “When am I ever going to use this?” It could be that students are really asking for help in seeking the connection between course content and their perceived value of the course. In other words, though it is usually clear to faculty that certain content and activities are important, students are trying to figure out for themselves if an activity or concept is worth their time and effort. Bundick et al.

Research shows that faculty presence and perceived connection in an asynchronous, online course can increase student satisfaction, motivation, and retention and reduce student feelings of isolation and confusion. Including weekly video announcements and/or lesson introductions is one way to accomplish this.