How to Design Interactive Lessons

How to Design Interactive Lessons

The Learner Interacts

The purpose of the lesson or activity is for the learner to develop understanding, knowledge or capability in the subject area. Her brain needs to be engaged with learning from or with the task. Design activities so that learners can “walk through” the tasks themselves. Limit the role of the teacher in doing the activity at the board.

Objectives are Easily Observed

Each task or activity page or slide must be accompanied by a clear objective. The objective must be observable and measurable.

Test and Practice Linked to Objective

Exercises designed to gauge learning must be linked to the objectives as laid out in previous pages.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Offer many opportunities for learners to practice the new skills. It is OK if your IWB notebook file has many pages. The entire notebook does not have to be taught in a single lesson. A notebook file can have many pages that are used for teaching a subject throughout the quarter or semester or year.

One Activity Per Page or Slide

Design activities so that one main activity is on a page. Do not try to insert many different types of activity on the same page.

Use Graphics & Animation with Purpose

Notebook software has many resources within the gallery. Only use what is needed to engage your learners and support their learning based on the activity.