Designing for Learning: The Pursuit of Well-Structured Content

Summary:
This article begins by reviewing with the readers the meaning of “well-structured”. If something is well-structured it is well organized in a clear and logical sequence. With so many technological resources available, it is important to structure learning outcomes and content so that the learning may occur as easily as possible. Multi-media delivery encourages “student input and increases sensory involvement” in learning. This digitalization of content helps students build upon their knowledge of content with all senses, increasing their understanding of a complex topic gradually to reach full understanding. Equally as important as including multi-media delivery of material is the hierarchy of content types 1) core concepts and principles 2) well-structured problems with known solutions 3) less-structured, complex problems without known solutions. This hierarchy will help educators structure content so that a solid foundation of key components in the content-area are mastered and built upon gradually until the student can use their knowledge to solve abstract problems in the content area.

Response:
This article was vague and used far too many metaphors to keep me engaged as a reader. The writing style was so difficult for me to follow, as someone who appreciates concrete conclusions and suggestions, that I found myself getting lost in a small two-page article! The authors compared a learner’s brain to a tundra and a jungle, which was fun, but distracting. Overall the piece reinforced what I already know as a teacher, that it is important to gradually build upon previous knowledge to create a solid foundation of learning. The new piece was that the integration of technology can help learners experience learning via most of their senses and increase the depth of the learning.

Boettcher, J.V. (2003). Designing for learning: The pursuit of well-structured content. In J. Hirschbuhl & J. Kelley (Eds.), Computers in education (22-24). Dubuque, IA: McGraw Hill.