Micro-learning courses are a popular type of e-learning. They are short, covering a single skill or topic. In this sample course made with Articulate 360 (Rise and Review), I’ve outlined the backward design steps I use to plan goal-oriented, learner-centered instruction.
In addition to using Articulate, I made the graphics in Canva and aligned the colors with an infographic covering the same material.
Other skills present in this e-learning mini-course:
- Accessible – All photos have alternate descriptions for screen readers.
- Adaptable – Articulate makes learning easily adapt to different sized browsers, so users can view easily on their phones, tablets, or computers. (This works better on a Learning Management System.)
- Value – The value of this course is clear. From the very beginning, learners know the goal (learn 5 steps for more effective instruction). They are also given a roadmap of the course so they know exactly what they are getting into.
- Interactive – The note cards and knowledge check are quick interactions that ask users to engage with content.
- Feedback – Feedback is built into the knowledge check at the end of lesson, so the essential information can be emphasized if users get a question wrong.
- Chunking – Information is chunked logically
Universal Backward Design is an important framework in designing effective learning because:
- It centers the user and the learning experience, making it more likely that learners will engage with course content.
- It is goal-oriented, so the value of instruction is apparent throughout the entire process.
- It aligns instruction with assessment, increasing the rate of learner success by ensuring that instructional activities are useful and relevant.