higher education Archives - Silver Calico™

Respecting Prior Knowledge in Adult Learning

Adult learners bring valuable experience to every course. The best instructional design respects that prior knowledge, activates it early, and builds new learning on what adults already know.

Dr. Hardy 2 days ago

Instructional Design

The Hidden Skills Every Senior Instructional Designer Needs

Senior instructional designers do far more than build courses—they listen, consult, manage projects, mentor others, and shape learning systems that keep learners at the center.

Dr. Hardy 5 days ago

Instructional Design

Human-Centered Course Design

Learn how human-centered course design makes online learning clearer, more flexible, and more accessible by putting learners’ needs, goals, and experiences at the center of every decision.

Dr. Hardy 1 week ago

Instructional Design

Using AI as an Instructional Design Assistant

AI can speed up instructional design, but it works best as an assistant, not a replacement. Learn practical ways to brainstorm, draft, revise, and save time while keeping human judgment in control.

Dr. Hardy 2 weeks ago

Blog header illustrating knowledge transfer, featuring a notebook that connects learning, application, and real-world impact within a clean instructional design workspace, emphasizing how learners apply knowledge beyond the classroom.

Instructional Design

Designing for Knowledge Transfer

Learn how instructional designers can move beyond memorization and build courses that help learners apply knowledge in real-world situations long after class ends.

Dr. Hardy 2 weeks ago

Blog header illustrating the characteristics of useful feedback, featuring a notebook with timely, specific, actionable, and learning-focused feedback principles in a clean instructional design workspace.

Instructional Design

What Makes Feedback Actually Useful?

Discover how timely, specific, actionable feedback helps learners grow, reinforce strengths, and turn assessments into meaningful steps forward.

Dr. Hardy 3 weeks ago

Blog header illustrating how to write better learning objectives, featuring a notebook with characteristics of effective objectives, including focused, measurable, observable, and achievable outcomes, alongside a clean instructional design workspace.

Instructional Design

Writing Better Learning Objectives

Strong learning objectives are the backbone of effective course design. Learn how to replace vague wording, align assessments, and write objectives that clearly guide teaching and learner success.

Dr. Hardy 3 weeks ago

Infographic illustrating strategies for building community in online courses through instructor presence, collaboration, authentic interaction, learner support, and inclusive participation beyond traditional discussion boards.

Instructional Design

Building Community Beyond Discussion Boards

Online learning communities thrive when designers go beyond discussion boards—using instructor presence, collaboration, reflection, and inclusive participation to create genuine connection and engagement.

Dr. Hardy 1 month ago

Infographic illustrating a well-designed online course "Start Here" module with a welcome page, onboarding checklist, course navigation, support resources, and clear first steps for new learners.

Instructional Design

Creating Better “Start Here” Modules

A well-designed Start Here module gives online learners clear direction, reduces confusion, and shows them exactly how to navigate and succeed in the course.

Dr. Hardy 1 month ago

Instructional Design

Common Accessibility Mistakes in Online Courses

Discover the most common accessibility mistakes in online courses—and simple ways to fix headings, alt text, captions, links, documents, and more before learners hit barriers.

Dr. Hardy 1 month ago

Silver Calico™

Categories

Tag: higher education

Respecting Prior Knowledge in Adult Learning

The Hidden Skills Every Senior Instructional Designer Needs

Human-Centered Course Design

Using AI as an Instructional Design Assistant

Designing for Knowledge Transfer

What Makes Feedback Actually Useful?

Writing Better Learning Objectives

Building Community Beyond Discussion Boards

Creating Better “Start Here” Modules

Common Accessibility Mistakes in Online Courses

Cats Don't Carpool: They Come in Their Own Accord

Instructional Design Made EAsy: A Beginner's Guide

Looking to change careers? Look No Further!