Activities

Absorb, Do and Connect Activities

In e-Learning by Design, Horton (2012, p. 73) categorizes learning activities into three types: Absorb-Do-Connect.

• Essentially, learners absorb knowledge through reading, listening, or watching.
• In do activities, learners practice, explore, or discover in an attempt to integrate the knowledge.
• Connect activities should assist learners in making connections between what they are learning and the "real world."

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a framework to help designers create curriculum that allows individuals with equal opportunities to learn.

These UDL principles are:

• Multiple means of representation – using a variety of methods to present information.
• Multiple means of action and expression – providing learners with alternative ways to act skillfully and demonstrate what they know.
• Multiple means of engagement – tapping into learners’ interests by offering choices of content and tools; motivating learners by offering adjustable levels of challenge.

(TEAL Center Staff, 2012).

Sample Absorb Activity

An Absorb Activity is an efficient way to inform and inspire (hopefully) leaners, especially when they need updated information to do their jobs or take the next step towards their educational goals. This type of activity is appropriate for this audience as many of them are already familiar with the subject and need updated information. The Learners will be especially motivated to integrate the knowledge because they will immediately apply it in their daily tasks.

My slide show presentation includes opportunities for a Learner:

• To view a software demonstration
• Review sample information against a checklist
• Use their knowledge to correct faulty information and
• Reinforce the learning by discussing it with a partner

The objective addressed by the presentation is that, Given job aids, the Learner will be able to create a complete solution article using the Knowledge Management Tool.

View the Knowledge Author Training.

Sample Do Activity

A Do Activity transforms information into knowledge and skills. These types of activities provide an opportunity to practice, hone and apply new knowledge. Games make learning more engaging and, if learning how the game works is quick and easy, the information is more efficiently integrated. I chose a game type that everyone knows - the Quiz Show - which makes the laborious drill and practice activity a little more fun.

My Quiz Show includes opportunities for a Learner:

• To practice their knowledge in a fun way
• Get immediate feedback

The objective addressed by the activity is that, Given job aids, the Learner will be able to create a complete solution article using the Knowledge Management Tool.

Download the Quiz Show file and then run the PowerPoint slideshow.

Sample Connect Activity

To test your knowledge retention, try taking the Quiz Show without the job aid. However, if you need it, View the Entering Solutions Checklist.

References

Horton, W. (2012) E-Learning by Design (2nd edition). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons.

TEAL Center Staff. (2012, February). Fact sheet: Universal Design for Learning. https://teal.ed.gov/tealGuide/udl.