In the age of smartphones and social media, traditional writing methods often fail to engage students effectively, making it crucial for faculty to adopt digital writing principles when creating online course content within the Canvas Learning Management System.

Traditional writing methods in the context of online course creation in Canvas often involve a linear, text-heavy approach that mimics conventional academic writing. This includes long, unbroken paragraphs; static, inaccessible PDFs; and a formal, scholarly tone. While effective in traditional settings, these methods often fall short in engaging students accustomed to the dynamic, interactive content prevalent on social media and consumed on smartphones. Moreover, traditional writing methods do not align with creating accessible content, which is a critical aspect of effective online course design.

The limitations of traditional writing methods in the digital age include:

Cognitive Overload: Long, text-heavy content can overwhelm students, leading to disengagement and reduced comprehension, particularly when accessed on mobile devices.
Lack of Interactivity: Static, non-interactive content fails to leverage the potential of digital platforms to engage learners actively, a crucial aspect of accessibility in online learning.
Misalignment with Digital Habits: The formal, academic tone of traditional writing can feel less relatable and engaging to students accustomed to more casual, conversational content and interactive multimedia elements on social media.

graphic covering the limitations of traditional writing in a digital age.

For a comparison, see the 7.3.1 Traditional Writing Example to understand how the same topic would be presented using traditional writing methods. Notice the differences in structure, tone, and readability between the two versions.

To effectively engage modern learners, faculty must adopt digital writing principles that align with the reading habits and expectations shaped by the digital landscape.

Digital writing focuses on creating easily digestible, visually appealing text-based content that is optimized for mobile devices and incorporates interactive multimedia elements. The foundation of effective digital writing lies in crafting quality written text that is easy to scan and understand while reflecting the engaging nature of social media.

The benefits of digital writing for faculty creating online course content include:

Improved Readability: Structuring content into shorter paragraphs, using bullet points, and incorporating white space enhances readability and prevents cognitive overload.
Enhanced Accessibility: Creating easily navigable, visually appealing content optimized for various devices improves accessibility and engagement for all learners.
Alignment with Digital Habits: Adopting a conversational tone and integrating interactive multimedia elements that reflect social media's interactivity helps students relate to and engage with the material more effectively.

graphic covering the benefits of digital writing for creating online course content.

However, incorporating multimedia elements may present challenges. Faculty must invest time in developing new skills and ensuring multimedia content is accessible to all students. To effectively address these challenges, faculty must understand their target audience and gauge how their students interact with course content, considering technical limitations, learning preferences, and content consumption habits.

Despite these potential challenges, embracing digital writing principles and prioritizing accessibility is essential for creating effective online course content in Canvas that resonates with and engages students in the age of smartphones and social media.

Conclusion

As technology shapes students' reading habits and expectations, transitioning from traditional to digital writing is crucial for creating effective and accessible online course content. By prioritizing accessibility, crafting quality written text, and strategically integrating interactive multimedia elements, faculty can enhance student engagement, comprehension, and performance within the Canvas Learning Management System while addressing the challenges associated with this transition.

Works Cited

Human.libretexts.org. (n.d.). Traditional vs. Online Classes - Bad Ideas About Writing. https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Composition/Specialized_Composition/Bad_Ideas_About_Writing_(Ball_and_Loewe)/08:_Bad_Ideas_About_Writing_Teachers/8.05:_Anyone_Can_Teach_an_Online_Writing_Course
Slejournal.springeropen.com. (2020). The effect of smartphones on students' learning at higher education. SpringerOpen. https://slejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40561-020-00118-7
Pressbooks.palni.org. (n.d.). Best Practices for Digital Writing. Writing for Digital Media. https://pressbooks.palni.org/writingfordigitalmedia/chapter/best-practices-for-digital-writing-2/
Aaeteachers.org. (n.d.). Writing in Online and Multimedia Environments: Why Digital Writing Matters in Education. https://www.aaeteachers.org/index.php/blog/1634-writing-in-online-and-multimedia-environments-why-digital-writing-matters-in-education