'Twas the night before Christmas...
A festive farewell with a stocking full of digital learning tips from the Digital Learning Network's outgoing chair, Sian Shaw
‘Twas the night before Christmas, or roughly thereabouts,
And the loudest thing stirring was one computer mouse,
A clatter on the keyboard, and on the screen it did appear,
A list of digital learning thoughts from a long-term volunteer.
Start by knowing what you are making and who it’s really for,
Do you know what they would love and haven’t seen before?
Does it fit in a curriculum, a specification or a plan?
Or is it a thing for rainy days to keep a family’s attention span?
It can be a tricky balance – giving structure and a clear objective,
While still giving learners the flexibility so the learning is effective,
Build up their new expertise with scaffolding tasks and clues,
And stretch their mind with questions that they get to choose.
Make sure it’s clearly labelled with age ranges and key stages,
So your lovely primary audience don’t have to search around for ages,
Plus Google (and others) love it when it does-what-it-says-on-the-tin,
With clear and relevant language that will really draw them in.
A picture is worth a thousand words, if it’s copyright free,
And it’s worth a million more with ALT text (if you’re asking me!)
Plus with the popularity of videos, subtitles are essential,
Give every learner that same chance to reach their own potential.
And it wouldn’t be digital learning, without some test and learn,
Experiment with new tools, and be brave when its your turn,
And into 2025, keep spreading digital learning cheer,
As it isn’t just for Christmas, it’s important throughout the year.
After three years as DLNET Chair, and many more on committee,
I leave with you these words of wisdom in this little ditty,
I wish you all the best with all your digital learning,
And to the wonderful DLNET, please do keep returning…
The Digital Learning Network committee would like to take this opportunity to thank , for all her hard work and dedication - but especially for her devotion to the art of using GIFs, during her time on the committee and as chair, and wish her all the best for the future.