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Time seems to be pre-built into learning and teaching, from decisions on how long an educational video should be before losing learners’ attention, to the designated duration of a degree course, and everything in-between. So many of our education systems are anchored to time, from the expected length and timing of semesters to the accepted age of a school-leaver.

What if we think about time differently? Within the constraints of classes, modules and weekly schedules with immovable timetables, how can we take back control of time, structure and pace in the way we design learning? Even better, how can we give that control to learners juggling their own time constraints, and help them to find the right rhythm of learning to suit different disciplines and individual learning needs?

Who’s got time for Pecha Kucha?

You’ve got time! We invite you to share your own reflections, experiences and tips on timing and pace in learning design at the next Learning Design Meetup on Monday, 4 September. Of course, there are timing constraints – you’ll present them in Pecha Kucha format (20 images, 20 seconds per image) to a friendly Zoom room of like-minded peers. You don’t have to be a Learning Designer – just bring your experience, ideas and a sense of humour!

Not sure what to expect? Take the time to browse these five Pecha Kucha pieces on Learning Design from last year’s session, and see how it’s done.

Bring us your Pecha Kucha: key dates

Already got some ideas? Here’s how to get involved:

  1. Decide on a topic. Take a look at some of the prompts below for ideas to beg, borrow and adapt with your own unique take.
  2. Collaborate, or go it alone? Share the presentation with a wingman or woman and take 10 slides each to present. Short on time? Try a 10-slide, 3-minute version!
  3. By Friday, 11 August Send us your presentation title and a short description of what you’ll cover. We’ll confirm your spot in the program by Friday 18 August and send you a PowerPoint template to use.
  4. Prepare 20 slides, with an image on each (no text, if possible!). Send us your slides by Friday 1 September.
  5. Plan and practise talking over each slide for 20 seconds. Use a script if you prefer, or fly by the seat of your pants and improvise as you go.
  6. Come along to the Meetup on Monday 4 September and enjoy!

So to re-cap, that’s 20 slides, images only, and 20 seconds to present each one. Tell your story in a total of 6 minutes 40 and you’re done!

Topics to talk about: timing and pace in Learning Design

You’re probably already scribbling down your thoughts on how we can better use timing and pace in learning. If you need a few springboards to jump off, feel free to explore any of these angles:

  • 🤸‍♂️ Planning for flexibility: how can we design learning for different ‘speeds’ to respond to changing classroom dynamics?
  • 🤫 Endless chatter, or sounds of silence? How can we take a breath from constant ‘delivery’ and allow time for reflection and processing?
  • ⏱️ Who’s setting the pace? How can we support learners to find their own learning rhythm in asynchronous learning design?
  • 👀 Change it up: How might we use pacing more effectively to hold and keep learners’ attention?
  • 📏 Do short forms of learning impact the learner’s ability to immerse themselves into the subject matter? Is shorter always better?
  • 🗣️ What advice would you give to an educator looking to re-consider timing and pace in their classroom, subject or course design?

Curious to explore? Read more…

Here are a few things we’ve found in our quick quest for insights on timing and pace in learning:

We can’t wait to hear your ideas and welcome you and your Pecha Kucha to the Learning Design Meetup on Monday 4 September. If you would like to join the Meetup, please contact Mais Fatayer for more information. To be part of ongoing discussions on all things Learning Design, please join the conversation in the UTS Learning Design Meetup Teams channel.

Join the discussion