7.4 Digital Writing Principles for Readable Content in Canvas

To prevent cognitive overload in a smartphone-dominant world, the cardinal rule of creating effective course content in Canvas is simple: if it's not skimmable, it's not readable.

In today's fast-paced digital learning environment, students often struggle with information overload when presented with lengthy, complex course materials, regardless of the device they use. To ensure that your content is engaging and easy to comprehend, it is essential to apply principles of digital writing and content organization that prioritize skimmability and minimize cognitive load, especially when considering the growing prevalence of smartphone usage among students.

 Principles of Content Organization

A common pitfall in online course design is presenting content in long, unbroken blocks of text.

This format can overwhelm students and hinder their ability to grasp key concepts.

To make content more digestible and engaging, consider these strategies:

  • Chunking: Break content into smaller, manageable sections that are easy to read and process. This helps students analyze information more effectively and reduces cognitive load.
  • Bullet points: Highlight key ideas and break up text using bullet points. This makes the content more scannable and allows students to quickly identify and recall the most important information.
  • Effective headings and subheadings: Use clear and concise headings to guide readers through the content and emphasize main points. Well-crafted headings and subheadings act as signposts, making it easier for students to navigate and comprehend the material.

Graphic outlining content organization strategies.

By implementing these principles, you can create content that is easy to navigate and process, leading to better student engagement and learning outcomes.

 Optimizing Content for Mobile Readability

With the increasing use of smartphones for accessing online courses, it is essential to optimize content for mobile readability.

Failing to do so can result in a frustrating user experience and reduced student engagement.

To ensure your content is mobile-friendly, keep these points in mind:

  • Simplify language: Use clear, concise wording to convey ideas. Avoid jargon and complex sentence structures to ensure that the content is easily digestible on smaller screens.
  • Leverage white space: Utilize white space strategically to break up content and improve readability on mobile devices. Adequate spacing between paragraphs, headings, and other elements can help reduce cognitive load and make the content more visually appealing.
  • Prioritize key information: Make important information easily identifiable by placing it at the beginning of paragraphs or sections and using formatting techniques such as bold text, italics, or highlighting. This helps students quickly locate and retain crucial concepts.

graphic outlining the key principles to enhance mobile readability.

By structuring your content with mobile readability in mind, you can ensure that students can easily access and engage with your course materials, regardless of the device they are using.

 Handling Unavoidable Cognitive Overload

When introducing complex academic materials, it is crucial to mitigate potential cognitive overload.

Presenting intricate concepts without proper context or support can lead to student disengagement and decreased comprehension.

To effectively introduce challenging content, consider the following approaches:

  • Establish context: Provide background information and connect new concepts to students' existing knowledge. This helps students analyze how the new material fits into the bigger picture and makes it more relatable.
  • WIIFM: Highlight the relevance and benefits of the material by answering the question "What's In It For Me?" from the student's perspective. Demonstrating how the content applies to their personal and professional goals increases motivation and engagement.
  • Provide scaffolding: Offer structured support through outlines, summaries, or guiding questions that help students navigate through complex readings or assignments. This support can be gradually removed as students become more comfortable with the material.

Graphic providing guidance on how to prevent cognitive overload in an online class.

Examples of implementing WIIFM:

  1. "By engaging with this challenging material, you will develop critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly valued in the workplace, preparing you for professional success in any field."
  2. "This article will provide you with a deep understanding of [subject/topic], which is essential for anyone considering a career in [related field]. Understanding these concepts now will give you a significant advantage in your future studies and career."
  3. "The concepts covered in this text are central to ongoing debates in [field/discipline]. By understanding these, you'll be able to actively participate in discussions that shape the future of the industry."

By implementing these strategies and clearly communicating the value and relevance of the content through WIIFM, you can help students navigate complex topics, maintain engagement, and enhance their understanding of the material. Providing concrete examples of how the course content relates to students' personal and professional goals can significantly increase their motivation to engage with challenging materials, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes.

Conclusion

Applying digital writing principles is essential for creating readable content in Canvas that minimizes cognitive overload and promotes student engagement, especially in a world where smartphones are increasingly dominant. By focusing on content organization, mobile optimization, and effective introduction of complex materials, you can develop course content that is accessible, engaging, and conducive to learning.

 Works Cited