Multimodal texts make learning interesting. Video, podcasts and infographics not only have the capability to excite and engage, but to reach a broader demography of learners who don’t thrive on verbal language knowledge acquisition and exchange alone. Multimodal texts provide a variety of ways in which to communicate and provide information to learners, as well as meet the needs of different learners’ preferences.

Using video, podcasts, infographics or images as well as text, directly impacts learning outcomes. Design decisions that incorporate multimodal learning objects – made by both educators and learners – can make learning memorable, meaningful and retainable. Decisions we make about how we communicate should be done through a systematic and informed process, rather than via a random selection of tools. In this course, you’ll explore learning design principles associated with how, why and when to use multimodal texts. You’ll also explore and analyse the features and benefits of a range of text types, such as video, audio and infographics. The course is designed for educators, teachers, learning designers, instructional designers, tutors, lecturers, course convenors and anyone else who may be interested in creating powerful and memorable learning experiences for learners of all ages. Learning outcomes By the end of this course, you’ll: 1. Recognise best practice design principles and approaches for multimodal text creation 2. Select, design and create a variety of multimodal text types, including video, audio and infographics 3. Critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the different multimodal text types

Using cloud-based video conferencing platforms such as Zoom has become, for many people, a part of everyday life. This is particularly true for learners of all ages who are now spending more time online connecting with their peers or studying remotely. To ensure a successful learning experience for our online learners, educators and teachers need to feel confident designing and delivering a live Zoom class.

In this course, you’ll explore the Zoom functions that are relevant to teaching a live online class, such as Zoom’s class management tools, break-out room function, chat, screen-sharing and the poll function. More importantly, this course will provide practical real-world examples of how to use these functions successfully in a live class setting, as well as provide an opportunity to design, develop and create your own Zoom lesson plan. The course is suitable for anyone who designs or delivers synchronous or live online Zoom classes. Learning Outcomes  By the end of this course, you’ll: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic functions of Zoom 2. Recognise the Zoom class management tools 3. Evaluate the ways Zoom can be used to deliver engaging live online class activities 4. Design, develop and create a Zoom lesson plan