By Anita Samuel, PhD
Let's be real: Course syllabi are boring. As educators, we spend hours creating these comprehensive documents, yet students often glaze over them. What if we could make syllabi engaging, interactive, and, dare I say, fun?
Enter the Syllabus Abstract: a one-page, visually appealing infographic that captures the essence of your course. This isn't just a condensed version of your traditional syllabus; it's a multimedia experience. Imagine embedded audio clips where you explain assignments, hyperlinks to important resources, and even QR codes that lead to videos introducing course concepts. It's like the Marauder's Map of your course, guiding students through the semester in an interactive way.
Creating a Syllabus Abstract takes some effort, but the payoff is huge. Students are more likely to USE this syllabus, leading to fewer questions and better engagement with course material. Plus, it's a chance to showcase your creativity and personality as an instructor.
Wondering what it looks like? Take a look: Sample Syllabus Summary
Ready to give it a try? Here's a quick guide:
- Content: Choose the most crucial elements (contact info, course overview, deadlines, etc.).
- Layout: Use a free design tool like Canva or Piktochart to create a visually stunning infographic.
- Multimedia: Record audio explanations, create short videos, and embed hyperlinks or QR codes.
- Share: Distribute the PDF version or embed it online for easy access.
By reimagining the syllabus, we can transform it from a dreaded document into a valuable resource that students actually want to use. Let's ditch the boring and embrace the interactive!
Crafting Captivating Course Syllabi Abstracts: Engaging and Interactive Strategies
September 20, 2024 | 12:30 PM CST | Via Zoom