Create an LX Map - An Example (6 of 9)

It’s time to list the key concepts and map the different interactions for the learner. This is where everything you have done up until now comes together to start creating an LX map. So before you get started, make sure you have your:

• learner journey map;

• if its been run before your SWOT analysis;

• any learner profiles; and

• the learning outcomes.

What does the learner need to know?

It’s time to ask yourself what does the learner need to know in order to achieve the learning outcomes. As you are listing them, ask yourself, does this help the learner achieve the learning outcomes? If not, why are you covering it? At this point, it’s also time to consider any support/extension resources as you progress through.

Once you have the key concepts, look for clusters of information; themes; ways in which you can group the concepts. Review each of the concepts and make sure it is aligned with an outcome; if it's not aligned, ask yourself, why is it there? If it doesn't 'fit' put it to the side.

What can the learner do to demonstrate their understanding?

This is the fun part where you can brainstorm all of the different activities the learner can do to demonstrate their understanding of the key concepts. Laurillard’s learning types (2002) is a good reference point to prompt your thinking for potential activities from inquiry, to discussion and collaboration.

It is better to have too many activities than not enough, so you can choose the ones that are the best fit for your cohort. Once you’ve finished, review the different activities and determine which ones allow your learner to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts. Again, if they don’t align to a learning outcome, leave them out.

What support resources are required?

In order for learners to be able to understand the key concepts and do the learning activities, what, if any support resources are required. This is not only in relation to key concepts, but could be in relation to soft skills, or strategies to approach particular topics.

What extension resources are required?

I find this rarely gets enough attention in comparison to the support for learners. Ask yourself what resources could be used to extend learners. This could be readings, activities, or contentious issues to promote critical thought.

What pedagogical principles are present?

Have a look at your map and identify the key pedagogical principles that may be present. For example, collaboration, or connection, or problem based learning. By doing this now, it will help you to implement software that is fit for purpose.

What is the best sequencing?

Review the key concepts, activities, support/extension resources and make sure everything is aligned to a learning outcome/s. If it's not aligned then consider why it is there, what's its purpose; if it doesn't fit, remove it. Ask yourself, is the sequencing right? If not, consider what the right sequencing looks like.

How did you embed the outcomes of the SWOT analysis in your design?

You have a real opportunity to improve on previous iterations by keeping what you were doing well (strengths); addressing the weaknesses; evaluating at the opportunities and threats and comping up with solutions to embed in your design.

Does the design meet the needs of your learners?

This is where you revisit the learner personas. Critically review your design and ask, does it harness the learners’ motivating factors? What were their potential frustrations and how did you address this in your design? By referring back to the personas and critically reviewing the what; the why; and the how; you are building the best learner experience for your context.

Summary

Creating an LX map can be a lot of fun and provides a lot of creative freedom from a design perspective. Don’t forget to review the different interactions; from educator to learner; learner to educator; and learner to learner. Remember that you may not always have the solution right away, so it is important to refer back to your personas, SWOT analysis and outcomes to ensure they are the best solution for your context. In the next few steps you will review your map so don’t worry if you don’t feel like it’s perfect just yet.

Next steps

If you haven’t already, be sure to register for an interactive whiteboard and get started with creating your LX map.