Informational vs. Dynamic Modules

Key Principles

1. Preparation for Future Learning - Sometimes struggle is productive, and sometimes it's just frustrating.
2. Cognitive Load Management - Novices need different support than experts.
3. Motivation and Context - Sometimes learners need to see relevance before consuming static content.
4. Expertise Reversal Effect - What helps novices can hurt experts.

Ask yourself: What's the primary learning challenge?

• Learners need foundational concepts before they can engage meaningfully? → Informational Module First
• Learners need to discover gaps in their knowledge? → Dynamic Module
• Compliance requires specific information consumption? → Strategic Informational Integration
• Learners have varied expertise levels? → Adaptive Approach

---

The choice between static informational modules (pages) and dynamic learning modules fundamentally impacts learning effectiveness and engagement. Based on cognitive science research and Amplifire's adaptive learning principles, this decision should be driven by learner needs, content complexity, and performance outcomes rather than convenience or tradition.

Informational Modules	Dynamic Learning Modules
Purpose: Provide foundational information	Purpose: Create learning through discovery
When: Knowledge prerequisites needed	When: Misconceptions need correction
Learner State: Motivated and ready to absorb	Learner State: May not know what they don't know
Content Type: Definitions, procedures, frameworks	Content Type: Applications, decisions, problem-solving
Risk: Cognitive overload, passive consumption	Risk: Frustration without proper foundation

Understanding Dynamic Learning Modules

Dynamic learning consists of question-based learning experiences that adapt based on learner responses and confidence, using Amplifire's cognitive science approach. Their many benefits include:

• Revealing knowledge gaps through productive struggle
• Correcting Confidently Held Misinformation
• Building lasting understanding through retrieval practice
• Adapts to individual learning needs

Dynamic learning modules are best used for:

• Application and decision-making
• Misconception identification and correction
• Building procedural fluency
• Testing understanding in context
• Creating lasting behavioral change

1. • Example: Infection control practices
     • Dynamic approach: Present scenarios where learners apply their current understanding
     • Why: Confidently held misinformation won't be corrected by static information alone
2. Application skills need development.
   • Example: Customer service decision-making
     • Dynamic approach: Varied scenarios requiring judgment calls and adaptation
     • Why: Skills require practice in multiple contexts, not just knowledge consumption
3. Learners don't know what they don't know.
   • Example: Customer service decision-making
     • Dynamic approach: Varied scenarios requiring judgment calls and adaptation
     • Why: Skills require practice in multiple contexts, not just knowledge consumption
4. Long-term retention and transfer are critical.
   • Example: Critical safety procedures
     • Dynamic approach: Spaced practice with varied scenarios and confidence checking
     • Why: Dynamic learning creates stronger, more transferable knowledge

• Building foundational knowledge

• Providing context and frameworks
• Establishing common vocabulary
• Presenting complex procedures step-by-step

Informational modules are best used for:

• Definitions and terminology
• Background context and frameworks
• Step-by-step procedures
• Visual demonstrations
• Compliance-required information

When to Use Informational Modules

1. Complex new concepts require foundation.
   • Example: Teaching advanced cardiac life support
     • Informational first: Present algorithm overview, drug classifications, anatomy review
     • Why: Learners need conceptual framework before they can meaningfully engage with complex decision scenarios.
2. Procedures need step-by-step demonstration
   • Example: Software navigation training
     • Informational approach: An informational page with a video walkthrough of interface and screenshots of key screens followed by questions
     • Why: Visual demonstration is more efficient than discovery for procedural knowledge
3. Compliance mandates specific information.
   • Example: Regulatory safety requirements  
     • Informational approach: Required policy content, legal definitions, reporting procedures
     • Why: Specific information must be consumed regardless of prior knowledge
4. Learners Are Highly Motivated and Knowledgeable
   • Example: Expert-level continuing education
     • Informational approach: Latest research findings, updated guidelines, new techniques
     • Why: Experts can efficiently process well-structured information

The "Preparation-Practice-Performance" Model

Module 1: Preparation (Informational)

• Brief context setting
• Essential terminology
• Conceptual framework

Module 2: Practice (Dynamic)

• Application scenarios
• Misconception correction
• Skill development

Module 3: Performance (Assessment)

• Competency verification
• Real-world readiness

Example: Clinical decision-making

1. Informational component:
   • "Patient Assessment Framework: The SBAR Communication Model"
     • Brief explanation of Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
     • Visual diagram showing information flow
2. Dynamic component:
   • Multiple patient scenarios where learners must:
     • Gather relevant information (Situation/Background)
     • Make clinical judgments (Assessment)
     • Propose actions (Recommendation)
     • Receive feedback on reasoning process

Integration Review Checklist

• Sequencing: Static and dynamic elements are logically ordered
• Connection: Clear relationships between static content and dynamic practice
• Balance: Appropriate proportion of informational vs. dynamic modules for learning objectives
• Flow: Transitions between modes feel natural and purposeful
• Efficiency: No redundancy between static content and dynamic feedback
• Flexibility: Accommodates different expertise levels when possible

---

Content-Specific Guidelines

Definitions and Terminology

Default: Informational with dynamic reinforcement

• Informational module: Present terms with clear examples
• Dynamic module: Test application in context

Example:

• Informational module: "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patient 
  health information privacy..."
• Dynamic module: Present scenarios where learners identify HIPAA violations and appropriate responses

Default: Informational demonstration + dynamic application

• Informational module: Step-by-step walkthrough
• Dynamic module: Varied scenarios requiring procedure adaptation

Example:

• Informational module: Video demonstration of proper hand hygiene technique
• Dynamic module: Scenarios with different contamination levels, time pressures, 
  and resource availability requiring procedural decisions

• Brief informational context if needed

• Extensive dynamic practice

Example: 

Compliance and Regulatory Content

Default: Strategic informational integration

• Informational module: Required information consumption
• Dynamic module: Application and understanding verification

Example: