Module 2 Book: Optimizing the Organization of a Moodle Course
Organize: Chunk and Section
Using your course structure plan from Topic 1 and curation skills, determine which resources are necessary for students to engage with to achieve the learning outcomes and which ones are additional resources that can be explored when time and
interest permits.
Once you've determined that, it's important to think about how the resources will be organized. Students learn new material better and can remember it longer when it’s received in an organized way that is chunked into categories or logical groups (Nilson & Goodson, 2018, p. 81). This is further strengthened by placing the materials in the order students should review them. So, within each week or section of your course, place required resources first and follow them with optional resources that students explore when time and interest permits (where applicable).
Tip!
Be sure to clearly name additional resources as optional to help students manage their time and cognitive load.
In the example below, the website resource is clearly marked as an "Optional Additional Resource" and students are encouraged to explore it as their time and interest permits. This way, it encourages students to assess their current level of learning and provides them with choice about whether or not to engage with it.
