FEATURE DEPRECATION NOTICE - Activity modules
We are phasing out the Activity module feature. It is no longer possible to enable an Activity module in a topic and, in March 2025, previously configured Activity modules will be disabled from topics.
For more information, including tips and suggestions for replacing existing Activity modules, please refer click here.
To enhance the effectiveness of your training and help learners solidify the skills and expertise they’ve gained, we recommend incorporating on-the-job activities into topics.
These activities encourage learners to apply what they’ve learned by completing tasks related to the material, such as testing new skills, developing tools or processes, or completing offline assignments. This hands-on approach fosters deeper understanding and retention of knowledge.
The practical component of a topic may be included within a part or as a standalone part. Refer to the steps below for some guidelines of how to incorporate this kind of learning into your topics.
Creating an activity
Title: Give the part (or section within a part) a title that reflects what the activity is. We recommend using a verb and making this a short instruction so that learners can quickly get the broad idea of the activity. For example, 'Make 10 new phone calls' or 'Create a new letter for a client'.
Description: Use the Task element to clearly outline the activity and specify what is expected of learners to complete it. Be clear. Explain exactly what you want learners to do and relate the activity back to the content of the topic. For example, 'See Part 4 for examples.'. In your description, you may also include details of how soon you expect learners to have completed the activity (for example, 'Complete this task within one week.'). You may also indicate how long the activity is expected to take (for example, 'This should take 2 hours.').
Practical application: Optionally enhance your activity using the following opportunities for practical application:
Supporting materials: Use the Download element to provide a file for learners to download. This may be a template, cheat sheet, workbook, related documentation, case study, written assessment, or another resource for learners to review or use while completing the activity.
Group/in person sessions: Use the Event element to incorporate a real-time event for learners to attend. This may be a workshop, simulation, hackathon, field trip or other event providing opportunity for the practical application of your topic’s content.
Written responses: Use the Q&A element to invite learners to respond in their own words to a question or statement related to the practical training. Responses can vary in length based on a character limit you set (min. 100, max. 5,000), allowing for either concise answers or more detailed essays.
File upload: Use the Upload element to enable learners to upload a file as part of the activity. This may be a document, video, image, presentation, certificate, and so on.
Final introspection: Use the Reflect element to encourage learners to write and share their reflections on what they’ve learned during the activity, promoting deeper understanding and personal growth. You may choose to use one of the default questions provided by the element or write your own. A few ideas include:
As I completed this activity, I discovered/learned/decided...
My result/answer/outcome for this activity was...
My main challenge/key success from this activity was...
Requirement and progress settings: Each of the elements listed above can be set as optional or mandatory. For all elements except Download and Reflect, you can specify whether the learner's contribution, response, or attendance requires assessment. Additionally, you can determine if learners must complete the activity before progressing further in the topic, and if they can finish the topic without completing it.
Important! If you are updating a topic that has already been published, you will need to publish a new version of the topic for the new content to appear for learners.