Video-based learning is a core pillar of blended learning design at ACU, becoming an active experience when supported by interactive content. All staff can access the self-service ACU Studios to create quality video and audio. This supports improved accessibility and results in a consistently branded university product. 

See the multimedia principles guide and the Inspire Toolkit for evidence-based research on Video-based learning.

Learning depends on student engagement in educationally purposeful activities. Agentic learning theory recognises that students are intentional in constructing their own knowledge, but learning also requires staff to design content that stimulates student involvement.

Canvas features a range of inbuilt tools to support active learning, including discussions and quizzes. For ideas on using Canvas activities, enrol in Canvas essentials for teaching staff.

To create online learning resources, access ACU’s secure H5P platform from within Canvas. Content types include: 

• Multiple-choice, true/false, drag and drop and fill-in-the-blank questions
• Interactive presentations and books 
• Reflective activities
• Dynamic synchronous polls and quizzes  

Select the H5P button from Canvas’s rich content editor to see all the available options. 

Maximising active learning in face-to-face contexts assists students in attaining higher-level cognitive skills. A range of activities can be used to facilitate active learning for students. Examples are provided in the resource below:  

• Blended Unit Design in-class activity examples (PDF, 154KB)

Below are two approaches to unit orientation for first-year students. 

This video is an orientation for ACU Thrive, our signature transition pedagogy: 

The example below is a H5P activity for occupational therapy students to familiarise themselves with the key features of their unit. 

Communicating online is quite different from engaging with students in person, as ambiguities can arise from the lack of nuance in audio and visual interactions. Here are some tips for effective communication in the blended environment.

• Carry your in-class presence into the online environment. Add an image to your profile. When making videos, be ‘more’ you… up the energy and variation in your voice so students can feel your enthusiasm for the topic.
• Create a welcome post and give students opportunity to introduce themselves including how they prefer to be addressed. 
• Make sure students know how to contact the teaching team.
• Let students know how often the team will be responding to discussions or emails, e.g. within a specified timeframe.
• Respond promptly to discussions at the start of a unit to kick-start the dialogue and stimulate student participation.
• Scaffold the use of technology. Make sure all students are familiar with the communication technologies you will be using.
• Make instructions clear by using short sentences, lists and simple language.
• Guide students about participating in online discussions in an academic context, e.g. using subject terminology, a more formal tone, and providing references. Encourage students to engage with their peers and respond respectfully. 
• Consider summarising discussion replies, identifying themes and referencing students with shared views. Correct any misconceptions to reassure students that information is being checked and is accurate. Creating one feedback post saves time while still signalling your interest in students’ responses.