Modular Steps
⏱ 3-5 minute read and video
Watch this 2-minute video to learn more about Modular Steps in learning experience design:
Read the transcript
* soft, subtle music plays *
This phase, Modular Steps, is when we make the actual learning experience.
Modular means starting with smaller parts which will eventually make the whole. So let’s use learning experience blocks, or LX blocks.
These are inspired by the 6 learning types described by Dr. Diana Laurillard in her Conversational Framework. She theorizes that there are 6 types of interactions that can happen in all learning experiences.
Here they are:
“Acquire” is when learners read a book, listen to a lecture, or watch a video, to gain new information.
“Inquire” is when learners find out the answer to a question through research, or when they gather and organize information.
“Discuss” is when learners exchange questions or ideas with other people, like their teachers or fellow learners. These can be pair discussions, online forums, or sharing in a large group.
“Practice” is when learners are given a task goal and receive feedback to get closer to the goal. Imagine drills, exercises, and quizzes with feedback.
“Make” is when learners make a product that shows how they understand a concept, like a project, essay, or performance. This happens on an individual level.
And finally, “Collaborate”. This is when learners work with others to create a single, shared output. This involves negotiating ideas until they are able to agree.
So these are the six learning types that can help us build the learning experience.
How can we use them?
We can start by taking what we have learned from the previous phases: Mindsets, Intended Outcomes, and Starting Context, then we can generate ideas for blocks! Afterwards, we can mix and match, we can change learning types, repeat patterns.
Just take note, we don’t have to use all six, but variety helps! And one isn’t necessarily better than the other.
The more you build in a modular way using these blocks, you’ll soon realize that designing learning experiences will become clearer, easier, and more fun.
We can start by taking what we have learned from the previous phases: Mindsets, Intended Outcomes, and Starting Context, then we can generate ideas for blocks! Afterwards, we can mix and match, we can change learning types, repeat patterns.
Just take note, we don’t have to use all six, but variety helps! And one isn’t necessarily better than the other.
The more you build in a modular way using these blocks, you’ll soon realize that designing learning experiences will become clearer, easier, and more fun.
Technology has also enabled people to learn in many different ways. In the shift towards remote and blended learning, many different tech tools and platforms have been created to respond to learning demands. Even long-existing products have been modified or adjusted to accommodate learning uses.
We have compiled some of our recommended tech tools and mapped them against the 6 learning types. Use this as a handy reference when you start to build your learning experiences with a bit more detail. We also hope this encourages you to explore other tools and see how they can help in creating a meaningful and effective learning experience.
