Creating A Digital Document

Background

Asked to create an original piece of digital media to address a learning objective, I chose to create a simple document to guide learners on the basics of mindfulness. Conscious of visual design in creating this document, I chose a calm color scheme, but with plenty of text contrast to drive accessibility. The layout is straightforward.

Below find the digital media I created, as well as my completed digital media evaluation (template here), and additional background and context for this assignment.

Learning Objectives & Audience

Given the document on mindfulness, learners will be able to

• Describe three of the benefits of mindfulness and relaxation.

• Practice five basic meditative activities that contribute to mindfulness and relaxation.

The intended audience is adults looking to reduce stress. Addressing why mindfulness aids in stress reduction will engage the learner, and the simple exercises make it easy for the learner to try out.

Instructional Strategy

This simple content could slide easily into a course as a handout and exercise, to be performed in class to enhance understanding of mindfulness and practice of stress reducing techniques, as well as to provide learners an easy way to engage after class by following the straightforward guide.

Content Development

I used a freely licensed image and icons from Canva.com, where I also developed the flyer. I created a graphic using these icons and a standard box and text. See the note under the document for Creative Commons licensing.

Applying the Digital Content Evaluation Checklist

Providing the image in PNG format (above) allows for better image manipulation, and the media is part of Creative Commons, so it is usable as OER. It also meets high quality and relevance standards, and even allows for mild interactivity because it provides the learner activities to complete. Accessibility is achieved via contrast (color and varying text size). Culture is not shown as no icons or images contain people. (The "om" symbol is referenced as part of conscious breathing, which is a respectful use of its meaning.