DE Guideline 4 (DEG4): Content and Activities
DE Guideline 4 (DEG4): Content and Activities
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DEG4 focuses on 'Content and Activities,' emphasizing the importance of aligning instructional materials and learning tasks with course objectives. This guideline encourages the use of diverse, engaging, and purposeful content that supports different learning styles and promotes deeper understanding. Activities should not only reinforce key concepts but also provide opportunities for communication, collaboration, and real-world application. Here, you'll find strategies to design meaningful learning experiences that keep students actively involved and working toward measurable outcomes.
DEG 4 Sub-Guidelines
DEG 4 Sub-Guidelines
Examples & Insights
Examples & Insights
4.1
The instructional materials contribute to the achievement of the learning objectives/outcomes.
Instructional materials may include: Open Educational Resources (OER), publisher- and/or instructor-created materials, etc.
Instructional materials are current and varied to support diverse ways of learning.
📌 Examples
Open educational resources (OER)
Instructor-created video lessons
Publisher content integrated into Canvas
Multimedia content (e.g., short documentaries, author interviews)
Curated articles and news clips
Interactive study tools (e.g., Quizlet, H5P)
4.2
The learning activities are aligned with and promote the achievement of the learning objectives/outcomes.
Activities actively engage the learner with the course content to provide reinforcement and mastery.
Activities help learners develop higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.
Activities emulate real-world applications (i.e., authentic learning, problem-based learning, case studies, etc.).
🎯 Purpose
Learning activities should clearly connect to what you want students to learn or be able to do by the end of a module or course. They shouldn't just fill time, they should help students practice, apply, and build mastery of key concepts.
Good learning activities:
Are tied directly to learning objectives
Require students to do something with the material (not just read or watch)
Encourage critical thinking, analysis, or real-world problem-solving
Reflect authentic tasks students might encounter in their field
4.3
The course has a variety of activities and resources that facilitate communication, collaboration, learning, and engagement.
Students benefit more from activities than from simple presentation of content. External readings, assignments, discussions, interactive websites, and online assessments (formative and summative) should all be connected clearly to mastering course concepts and aligned with the module, course, and program objectives.
Relevancy to the course content is clear to students. Students need to know why they are required to read, review, discuss or create materials in the course. They will be more engaged when they know the reasoning behind what they need to complete.
📌 Examples
Interactive Discussions with Purpose
Example: Students respond to a case study and must reference specific course concepts in their initial post. They then reply to peers by comparing perspectives or offering constructive feedback.
Activity Impact: Encourages critical thinking, communication, and personal connection to the material.
Group Project with Real-World Application
Example: In a business course, students work in teams to develop a basic marketing plan for a real or simulated local business.
Activity Impact: Promotes collaboration, problem-solving, and authentic learning.
Video Reflections or Creative Submissions
Example: Instead of a written reflection, students can record a 2-minute video response explaining how a concept applies to their personal or professional experiences.
Activity Impact: Offers choice and supports diverse learning styles while reinforcing course concepts.
4.4
The course content and resources use proper citations, copyright, permissions (including fair use), and licensing information (including Creative Commons).
Ask a librarian for guidance on how to properly cite and use licensed materials
🛠️ How-To
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) is a trusted and easy-to-navigate resource that offers up-to-date guidance for all major citation styles:
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