Learning Activities and Materials

Start with learning objects

DLO Design Key Principles is a useful starting point for thinking about how learning objects are arranged. It covers sequence alongside the idea that learners should be able to access objects in any order. It also introduces interaction and internalization. Read through the map, then consider how those ideas might shape the way an activity is presented.

For another view, explore the map on designing learning activities from learning objects. It looks at using learning objects to construct activities and at how objects can be classified.

Move from ideas to activities

How I Designed My Game outlines a design process that includes pre-analysis and analysis of goals, needs, learners, content, context and tools. It also shows instruction and game elements. Follow its branches to see how a design can bring these considerations together.

Key elements offers another way to organize your thinking. It covers a learning cycle, from exploring previous ideas to introducing content, structuring knowledge and applying it. How to design an activity also considers delivery and pedagogy.

Look at materials and check your thinking

Didactic material connects materials with activities, ideas and learners’ needs. Tips for Designing Better Learning Materials focuses on presentation, including visual hierarchy, font size and color. Compare the maps when thinking about both the purpose and the appearance of materials.

This page lists mind maps rather than quizzes. If you use a quiz alongside a map, answer the questions first, then return to the relevant branches to organize your thinking. You can also make questions from the points in a map and use it to check your answers.

Explore the unit

Learning Activities and Materials is a section of Instructional Design in Education and pedagogy (incl. teaching methods, curriculum, educational psychology). The maps connect activity planning with choices about learning objects and materials. Choose a map to begin exploring those connections.