Week 1: Basics of learning design + Tally.so 101 Week 2: Content shaping & microlearning Week 3: Engagement hacks + Quick assessments Week 4: Polish + Prep for feedback Week 5: Run courses, get feedback, showcase!
The Youth Course Learning Design Bootcamp, hosted by RainbowVI, was a five-week hands-on journey into the world of instructional design. Built on the ADDIE framework and backward design principles, the curriculum followed a theory-practice model that empowered learners to apply what they learned immediately.
Each week introduced new layers—from foundational concepts and Tally.so basics to content structuring, microlearning, engagement strategies, and final course refinement. Learners became familiar with Bloom’s Taxonomy and SMART objectives, using them to craft meaningful learning outcomes and activities.
Every section emphasized active participation through peer feedback and group discussions, while independent work played the most crucial role. Learners practiced creating learner personas, curating content, designing assessments, and embedding media. All while iterating based on feedback. The bootcamp served as a career orientation experience, helping youth explore learning design as a potential path.
By the end, each participant had created a micro-sized course prototype and received feedback from instructors and peers.
Because the program was run remotely, online tools played a big role. Video calls, shared docs, and Tally.so itself enabled collaboration and feedback. The remote setup made it accessible for youth from anywhere, while also encouraging learners to stay focused, take ownership, and keep themselves motivated in a digital setting.
Key lessons learned
- Clear Objectives make better activities (alignment matters)
- Engagement needs to be designed on purpose, not added at the end
- Iteration is the key: feedback plus small improvements lead to big progress
- Learning design feels much more doable when it’s broken into small interactive steps