Step 3b - Images
The Strategy
The writing and drawing components will be part of the same general course layout. This section of the design will take multiple semesters as there will be many options for students to select from. This will give students the option of selecting the format that works best for them.
The types of images created for the textbook will vary based on the content and what students would like to create these would include:
- small images of things such as molecules, people, etc.
- larger diagrams showing complex process
- comics that provide humor based on the course content
- tables and charts
- infographics
- animations and videos
- other ideas as presented by students
The key here is to allow students the freedom to select a format that best presents the information.
The challenge will be to sort tasks so they are all approximately the same workload.
Smaller Assignments
Creating timelines or infographics is easy to integrate into any class. The benefit of drawing assignments is that they help students think about information visually.
One particularly useful strategy for these types of assignments is to have students use multiple strategies for explaining a complex process. For example they could write a paragraph, create a flowchart and then draw a diagram. This allows students to study the material multiple times and in multiple modalities.
I have used this strategy for a few years. Specifically, I give student a list of of options for explaining a process. They can choose any one they like. I noticed that students naturally compared assignments and had wonderful discussions about why they chose the option they did. I have since worked this into my assignment.
Students are asked to pick one way to explain a concept. Then, the next week, they are asked to pick another way to explain the same concept. Finally, they are asked to reflect on which strategy was more helpful.