Pathways through the Multi-modal woods
Lead Author: Becky Hartnup
Additional authors: Additional academic institution presenter – name and institution to be confirmed depending on date scheduled
Timetable: ,
Description:
Multi-modal learning can be used to to increase engagement, support formative learning, and enable authentic assessment. However, many educators get lost on their implementation journey. There is so much choice and so little time. Or they are dissuaded by time pressures, limited technical confidence, and uncertainty about where to start.
Educators know the treasure exists — they just need a guide through the woods.
This session responds to a common challenge in adult learning: how to move from the intention to adopt multi-modal learning to implementing relevant activities that support existing learning outcomes.
Session background
This session is based on a project developed in partnership with Adobe, focused on creating a Learning Kit for academic staff and learning development teams.
The project was informed by collaboration with stakeholders from academic and learning design teams at Abertay University and Adobe Creative Campuses including Aston University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Teesside University, and the University of the West of England. These conversations identified shared challenges, common goals, and the need for practical, low-threshold tools that support playful experimentation.
The resulting Adobe Learning Kit brings together guidance alongside examples of formative and assessed activities, practical tips, and student feedback to help educators confidently implement multi-modal learning across the curriculum.
While the principles are transferable to other multi-modal tools, the remixable templates are specific to Adobe and are free to use via Adobe Express.
What will happen in the session
1. Setting the scene (first 15 minutes)
• Introduction to the problem and project context
2. Pick your pathway: diagnostic quiz
Participants try out and provide feedback on a short, diagnostic quiz designed to direct users to the correct pathway: Formative Learning, Quick-Flip to Multi-Modal or Reimagined Assessment
3. Explore the woods: real examples from the field
Discover what other “adventurers” have implemented at UK institutions.
4. Get adventurous: remix and create (remainder of the session)
Participants play with remixable templates, creating content or designing activities for students
including:
• Infographics
• Pitch decks
• Short videos
• Podcasts
Try out Adobe Animated Characters to create a sidekick for your journey — complete with your own personally voiced, positive mantra.
The session uses narrative, choice, making, and experimentation to ensure playfulness is embedded throughout. Participants are not simply shown tools; they actively play, remix, and create, mirroring the experience they can design for their own learners.
The session is aimed at adult learners and adopts a train-the-trainer approach, enabling participants to take ideas, templates, and confidence back to their own institutions.
After the session
All materials will be accessible after the event, and participants are encouraged to adapt and share the Learning Kit with colleagues.
References, web links and other resources:
Pathways through the Multi-modal woods
Lead Author: Becky Hartnup
Additional authors: Additional academic institution presenter – name and institution to be confirmed depending on date scheduled
Timetable: ,
Description:
Multi-modal learning can be used to to increase engagement, support formative learning, and enable authentic assessment. However, many educators get lost on their implementation journey. There is so much choice and so little time. Or they are dissuaded by time pressures, limited technical confidence, and uncertainty about where to start.
Educators know the treasure exists — they just need a guide through the woods.
This session responds to a common challenge in adult learning: how to move from the intention to adopt multi-modal learning to implementing relevant activities that support existing learning outcomes.
Session background
This session is based on a project developed in partnership with Adobe, focused on creating a Learning Kit for academic staff and learning development teams.
The project was informed by collaboration with stakeholders from academic and learning design teams at Abertay University and Adobe Creative Campuses including Aston University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Teesside University, and the University of the West of England. These conversations identified shared challenges, common goals, and the need for practical, low-threshold tools that support playful experimentation.
The resulting Adobe Learning Kit brings together guidance alongside examples of formative and assessed activities, practical tips, and student feedback to help educators confidently implement multi-modal learning across the curriculum.
While the principles are transferable to other multi-modal tools, the remixable templates are specific to Adobe and are free to use via Adobe Express.
What will happen in the session
1. Setting the scene (first 15 minutes)
• Introduction to the problem and project context
2. Pick your pathway: diagnostic quiz
Participants try out and provide feedback on a short, diagnostic quiz designed to direct users to the correct pathway: Formative Learning, Quick-Flip to Multi-Modal or Reimagined Assessment
3. Explore the woods: real examples from the field
Discover what other “adventurers” have implemented at UK institutions.
4. Get adventurous: remix and create (remainder of the session)
Participants play with remixable templates, creating content or designing activities for students
including:
• Infographics
• Pitch decks
• Short videos
• Podcasts
Try out Adobe Animated Characters to create a sidekick for your journey — complete with your own personally voiced, positive mantra.
The session uses narrative, choice, making, and experimentation to ensure playfulness is embedded throughout. Participants are not simply shown tools; they actively play, remix, and create, mirroring the experience they can design for their own learners.
The session is aimed at adult learners and adopts a train-the-trainer approach, enabling participants to take ideas, templates, and confidence back to their own institutions.
After the session
All materials will be accessible after the event, and participants are encouraged to adapt and share the Learning Kit with colleagues.
References, web links and other resources: