Create Engaging Content for Your Modules

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Now that you have your framework ready, you can begin to add content and materials using the What Goes Where? guidelines. This module is divided into sections based on different content types, so it can be  helpful to make a list of all the content will need for a course and then sort it based on type. Below are examples of different content types you might use in your course. 

◼︎Readings

Unlike face-to-face courses, you cannot simply post PDFs of your assigned readings; in most cases, there are serious copyright and accessibility reasons to avoid doing so. Typically, you will be either be using permalinks to articles in the library or a digital coursepack. 

◼︎Links to External Sites

You may wish for the students to visit and interact with material on external websites. This is an excellent idea! Just make sure the sites are openly accessible. Also, as noted on the What Goes Where? page, these content links are usually placed on the Module Landing page but there are occasions when they are either put on a page or included in a separate resources module.

◼︎Canvas Pages

It often makes sense to deliver content via a Canvas page.  We have included a section in this module on Working with Canvas Pages that gives examples of how to make them clear, readable, and accessible.

◼︎Videos

There are a number of different reasons you might want to include videos in your course: weekly lectures, tutorials, wrap-up comments, course welcome, etc. The Videos section in this module contains instructions for recording videos, creating screen capture videos, even setting up your videos for time-stamped video comments and video quizzing. Also, if you are planning on recording your PowerPoint slides, make sure you check out the Best Practices for Voiceover Slides page.

◼︎Embedded Media

You may intend to make or find media to embed directly into your Canvas pages, and  most media sites offer an embed option. We have included a page in this module to help you embed media.

◼︎Creating Space for Student-Created Content

It's helpful to remember that you don't need to create all the content in your course. In fact, opening up spaces for students to present background or auxiliary content is a great way for them to learn and engage with the material. In this module, we have included a page on Creating Spaces for Students to Share Videos & Media to get you started.

 

rocket iconTip: Start with One Module

Once you have pulled together a list of all the different kinds of content you will need and sorted them into types, consider building out just one module as proof of concept. During CDLI's Course Design Program, we always build out one module, not usually the first module since that is typically an introduction, but a representative module. This will give you a sense of how long it will take you to build out each module so you can budget your time accordingly.