Learning Design Checklist Generator Skill

Learning Design Checklist Generator

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

Agent Skills: Learning Design Checklist Generator

Install this agent skill to your local

Skill Files