Generate actionable verification checklists from the Four Learning Design Pillars.
Workflow
Step 1: Determine Scope
Ask which checklist:
- Full checklist: All 4 pillars (~46 items)
- Single pillar: Focus on one area (1-4)
- Canvas-specific: Tailored to Canvas LMS features
Step 2: Load Principles
Read from ~/.claude/skills/learning-design-pillars/principles/learning-design-pillars.json
The JSON contains checks arrays for each principle — use these for checklist items.
Step 3: Output Checklist
Pillar 1: Clear, Purposeful Structure
1.1 Content Organization
- Content chunked into bite-sized units? (1.1.1)
- Each page has a single primary idea? (1.1.1)
- Prerequisites stated or embedded? (1.1.2)
- Complexity increasing gradually? (1.1.3)
- Scannable structure with clear priority? (1.1.4)
- Learners guided on what to focus on? (1.1.5)
1.2 Design Consistency
- Screens behave consistently across the course? (1.2.1)
- No unnecessary jumping between tools/screens? (1.2.2)
- Later modules build on earlier ones consistently? (1.2.3)
1.3 Learning Path Clarity
- Success criteria visible? (1.3.1)
- Units begin with orientation, end with consolidation? (1.3.2)
- Every activity tied to an objective? (1.3.3)
- Expectations explicit (time, quality, grading)? (1.3.4)
- Prerequisites and structure communicated? (1.3.5)
1.4 Adaptive Design
- Planned re-exposure later in program? (1.4.1)
- Experienced learners can move faster? (1.4.2)
Pillar 2: Active, Engaging Learning Content
2.1 Content Design
- Succinct and focused on objectives? (2.1.1)
- Both visual and verbal mediums used? (2.1.2)
- Graphics relevant, not decorative? (2.1.3)
- Text and visuals placed near each other? (2.1.4)
- Scannable with short paragraphs and headings? (2.1.5)
- Additional detail revealed on demand? (2.1.6)
- Users can jump to content of interest? (2.1.7)
- Fonts readable and audio audible? (2.1.8)
2.2 Multimedia & Interactive
- Multimedia increases engagement? (2.2.1)
- Doing prioritized over passive reading? (2.2.2)
- Videos under 10 minutes? (2.2.3)
- Video narration explains visuals? (2.2.4)
- On-screen text used sparingly in videos? (2.2.5)
- Audio and visuals synchronized? (2.2.6)
2.3 Engagement & Relevance
- Conversational and relatable language? (2.3.1)
- Purpose of features explained? (2.3.2)
- Prior knowledge activated? (2.3.3)
- Storytelling elements used? (2.3.4)
- Concrete before abstract? (2.3.5)
- Difficulty appropriately calibrated? (2.3.6)
- Examples relevant and interesting? (2.3.7)
- Key terms highlighted and defined? (2.3.8a)
- Multiple perspectives provided? (2.3.8b)
2.4 Quality
- Supplementary resources available? (2.4.1)
- Content current, accurate, sourced? (2.4.2)
- Free from bias and discrimination? (2.4.3)
- Credibility indicators present? (2.4.4)
Pillar 3: Continuous Practice & Feedback
3.1 Practice Design
- Practice varied across contexts? (3.1.1)
- Skills interleaved in practice? (3.1.2)
- Practice cycles back over time? (3.1.3)
- Recall-heavy prompts used? (3.1.4)
- Practice reflects real-world contexts? (3.1.5)
- Low-stakes practice available? (3.1.6)
- Prior skills practiced before new topics? (3.1.7)
3.2 Feedback
- Feedback specific and actionable? (3.2.1)
- Encouraging in tone? (3.2.2)
- Delivered immediately? (3.2.3)
- Worked examples provided and faded? (3.2.4)
- Rubrics and expectations clear? (3.2.5)
3.3 Metacognition
- Learners can assess their progress? (3.3.1)
- Why/how/what-if questions used? (3.3.2)
- Reflection prompts included? (3.3.3)
- Collaboration opportunities provided? (3.3.4)
Pillar 4: Simple, Intuitive UX
4.1 Navigation
- Navigation intuitive? (4.1.1)
- Progress indicators visible? (4.1.2)
- Interactive elements clearly distinguishable? (4.1.3)
- External links labeled? (4.1.4)
- Returning learners can find their place? (4.1.5)
4.2 Accessibility
- Search available? (4.2.1)
- Annotation tools provided? (4.2.2)
- Viewable on different screen sizes? (4.2.3)
- Display preferences customizable? (4.2.4)
- Design minimalist and clear? (4.2.5)
4.3 Media Control
- Learners control video pace? (4.3.1)
- Time estimates provided? (4.3.2)
Canvas-Specific Variant
When Canvas LMS context is detected, output this tailored version instead:
Structure (Pillar 1)
- Modules named consistently (e.g., "Week 1: Topic")
- Module requirements set for sequencing
- Learning objectives in module descriptions
- Welcome/orientation module exists
Content (Pillar 2)
- Pages use H1/H2/H3 hierarchy
- Images have alt text
- Videos under 10 min (or segmented)
- Discussions encourage active participation
Practice & Feedback (Pillar 3)
- Practice quizzes with unlimited attempts
- Rubrics attached to all graded assignments
- Peer reviews configured where appropriate
- Assignment feedback turnaround < 7 days
UX (Pillar 4)
- Unused navigation items hidden
- Modules view set as home page
- Module progress tracking enabled
- Time estimates included