Pipeline 2

The second pipeline requires a little more technical knowledge. Here is a simple schematic:

  1. Following this pipeline will have you develop a set of learning objectives (like the previous pipeline). Learning objectives are essential for Backwards Design, as they provide a clear roadmap for instructional design, ensuring that the desired outcomes and learner needs are identified and aligned with the overall learning experience.
  2. Based on the learning objectives, you now have two development options to choose from. The first option is to utilize the Lumi Desktop Editor, which leverages H5P technology. This editor provides a user-friendly interface for creating interactive and engaging learning modules. The second option is to use the Open eLearning Authoring tool, which offers a comprehensive set of features for developing e-learning content. Both options provide different approaches to content creation, and selecting the most suitable one will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Again, this step is the same as the previous pipeline.
  3. Once again, we will use a Sharepoint list to track content metadata, as well as instituting a schedule of review and assigning responsibilities.
  4. At this stage of the pipeline, a significant shift occurs, aiming to sever the reliance on institutional websites or the Learning Management System (LMS) and grant designers complete control. This approach offers the advantage of greater autonomy but comes with additional maintenance responsibilities, making it a more suitable choice for designers who are willing to take on the associated challenges. However, it is important to note that this alternative pipeline may be less appealing for teams that prefer to stick with familiar options such as Springshare, institutional websites, or the LMS. It is essential to be aware of these considerations and choose the path that aligns best with your team’s preferences and goals.
  5. The first significant change in the pipeline involves the way content is served. There are various options available, but the most sustainable approach is to utilize a static site generator for hosting your material. A static site generator is a tool that helps generate static HTML files from your content, allowing you to host it on a web server without the need for a dynamic backend or database. It takes your input files, such as Markdown or HTML, and converts them into a collection of static web pages that can be easily deployed and served to users. By using a static site generator, you can create a lightweight, efficient, and scalable website that offers fast loading times and improved security. It simplifies the hosting process and reduces the complexity associated with managing dynamic content. With a static site generator, you have more control over your content, can take advantage of version control systems like Git, and ensure long-term sustainability for your e-learning materials. Popular static site generators include Jekyll, Hugo, Gatsby, and Next.js, each with its own set of features, templates, and customization options. By leveraging a static site generator, you can embrace a more sustainable approach to serving your e-learning content, enabling you to focus on creating engaging educational experiences while enjoying the benefits of simplicity and performance.
  6. The final step in the pipeline is hosting your content, and there are free hosting options available that can fulfill your needs. Two popular choices are GitHub Pages and GitLab Pages. For our purposes, we will opt for GitLab Pages, as it aligns with the open-source nature of GitLab. With GitLab Pages hosting, you can enjoy the benefits of having a unique domain name for your content, providing a distinct online presence for your e-learning materials. This hosting option also offers flexibility, allowing you to make changes, revert to previous versions, and even make substantial alterations whenever you desire. By utilizing GitLab Pages, you can take advantage of the version control features inherent in GitLab, ensuring easy collaboration, efficient management of your content, and seamless integration with your development workflow. This type of hosting empowers you to have complete control over your e-learning materials and offers the freedom to evolve and adapt your content as needed.
Note: This pipeline requires some basic knowledge of the command line, Git, and knowledge of HTML and CSS. If you are not interested in this, we suggest you adopt the first pipeline. However, if you are keen to learn some new skills (an important consideration!), this pipeline is still for you.

 

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Asynchronous Toolkit Copyright © by Cal Murgu and Emily Hector is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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