Frameworks for thinking about online course development

By Dominik Lukeš

ICAP Framework

Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive modes of cognitive engagement.

ICAP Framework
Cognitive modeLearner activitiesTools to facilitate online / digital learning
Passive (Receiving) - Students are 'consuming' content without any other activity.
  • Reading assigned articles or books
  • Attending live lectures
  • Reviewing lecture slides
  • Watching recorded lectures
  • Watching other instructional videos
  • Listening to podcasts
  • eBooks delivered via Kortext
  • Articles and case studies made available as PDFs
  • Videos presented via Panopto
  • Making video transcripts available in Panopto
  • Videos on YouTube or LinkedIn Learning
  • Podcasts listened to via podcast app
Active (Manipulating) - Students are engaged in direct manipulation of the content.
  • Taking verbatim notes
  • Highlighting and underlining in readings
  • Copying excerpts from readings
  • Bookmarking parts of videos
  • Taking screenshots of images on screen
  • Pausing, rewinding parts of videos
  • Using PDF apps to highlight
  • Using Zotfile + Zotero to extract highlights
  • Saving highlights in online libraries
  • Using Onenote or Notion to take notes
  • Using notetaking in Panopto
  • Taking a quiz in Canvas or H5P
Constructive (Generating) - Students engage with content in a way that generates new content.
  • Writing summaries of readings
  • Taking notes in own words
  • Drawing mind maps or concept maps
  • Tagging or categorising excerpts
  • Verbally rephrasing information
  • Formulating questions
  • Mind mapping software (XMind, Mindomo)
  • Outlining features in Word or Google Docs
  • Tagging readings in Zotero
  • Creating database of concepts in Notion
  • Creating infographics
  • Annotating websites using Hypothes.is
Interactive (Dialoguing) - Students are engaged in a constructive dialog.
  • Defending position in pairs or small groups
  • Answering questions while working with a partner
  • Discussing similarities or differences
  • Explaining or teaching mini lessons to others
  • Recording instructional videos for others
  • Working in small groups in Zoom
  • Working in groups in Canvas
  • Collaborating on a live Word document
  • Recording videos in Panopto
  • Giving peer feedback in Canvas
  • Running Zoom tutorials for each other

Licence: Creative Commons Licence.