The 4Cs Instructional Design Model – Now Optimized for Virtual Instruction!
Take the guesswork out of designing engaging online learning experiences. This updated edition of the Brain Building Blueprint Cards keeps the same brain-friendly 4Cs structure you love—Connections, Concepts, Concrete Practice, Conclusions—but adapts every activity for virtual classrooms, meetings, and remote training events.
The facilitator still benefits from having a hard copy deck in hand, making it easy to sort, select, and organize activities—but every exercise is designed to be conducted in a virtual environment.
The 4Cs Brain-Based Learning Approach
Each card is mapped to one of the 4Cs, helping you design memorable learning that works across all platforms:
- C1 – CONNECTIONS: Spark interaction and link new ideas to learners’ prior knowledge.
- C2 – CONCEPTS: Present new information using multi-sensory, engaging methods tailored for online learning.
- C3 – CONCRETE PRACTICE: Reinforce knowledge with practice, peer teaching, and application—even in virtual breakout rooms.
- C4 – CONCLUSIONS: Encourage reflection, summarization, and action planning for retention and transfer.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
This 56-card virtual edition gives you everything you need to energize remote learning sessions:
- 44 Activity Cards – 11 activities for each of the 4Cs, adapted for online facilitation.
- Overview Card – A quick-start guide to the deck.
- Tips Card – Expert suggestions to maximize online engagement.
- Elastic Band – Keeps your deck organized and ready to use!
ON EACH ACTIVITY CARD
Each card provides clear, at-a-glance facilitation support:
- Color-Coded Categories – Quickly identify activities by 4Cs stage (though many adapt flexibly).
- Activity Name & Purpose – What the activity is and why it strengthens learning.
- Time Estimate – Most take 5 minutes or less—perfect for online sessions.
- Virtual Setup Instructions – Clear guidance for adapting the activity to an online environment.
- Facilitation Tips – Step-by-step directions to keep learners engaged on-screen.
Why You’ll Love the Brain Building Blueprints Virtual Instruction Deck
- Designed for Online Engagement – Every activity has been re-imagined for virtual facilitation.
- Brain-Based & Research-Backed – Supports active, memorable learning no matter the medium.
- Facilitator-Friendly – A physical deck keeps your planning process tangible and easy to manage.
- Versatile & Inclusive – Works across topics, skill levels, and platforms.
- Zero Prep Time – Everything you need is on the card—no lengthy lesson planning required.
Make your online learning interactive, memorable, and brain-friendly.
Order your Brain Building Blueprint Cards – Virtual Edition today and transform your remote training into high-impact learning experiences!
MORE BRAIN-BUILDING BLUEPRINT TOOLS!
- Brain-Building Blueprint Flipbook – Organize your 4C Instructional Design Planning. (#RDBBBB)
- Brain Building Blueprint Facilitator Kit – Everything you need to deliver exceptional, brain-friendly learning. (#RDBBBF)
- Brain-Building Blueprint Card Deck for In-Person Instruction – Organize your 4C Instructional Design Planning. (#RDBBBC)
COMPARE THE IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL DECKS
| Feature | Original Edition | Virtual Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | In-person workshops, classrooms, and meetings | Online training sessions, virtual classrooms, and remote meetings |
| Format | 56-card physical deck | 56-card physical deck (hard copy for facilitator) |
| Activity Count | 44 activities (11 per 4Cs stage) | 44 activities (11 per 4Cs stage), each adapted for virtual delivery |
| Setup | Hands-on, in-room materials and interactions | Uses online tools (chat, polls, whiteboards, breakout rooms, reactions, etc.) |
| Facilitator Experience | Tangible deck makes it easy to sort, select, and organize activities | Same tangible deck for easy organization plus virtual setup instructions |
| Time Estimates | Most activities under 5 minutes | Most activities under 5 minutes (optimized for online pacing) |
| Versatility | Can be adapted for different ages, topics, and group sizes | Can be adapted for different ages, topics, platforms (Zoom, Teams, Meet, etc.), and group sizes |
| Tips & Guidance | Overview and tips cards for maximizing in-person engagement | Overview and tips cards with specific advice for online facilitation |
