13 Creating long-lasting, asynchronous learning assets
Carlie Soares
In this chapter you will find:
- How to create long lasting assets that you can use over and over again. Say goodbye to re-writing your entire syllabus or re-recording your lecture videos.
- Simple tips and tricks that you can use to execute your vision.
- How to apply these tips and tricks to documentation, as well as video.
Creating online content is a time-intensive process. Not only are you re-thinking your content, and how to teach it, you’re often faced with a multitude of new technical tools. In order to maximize your time invested, you want to create high-quality content that can be re-used year to year.
Documentation
In this section, we will discuss how to make your PDF’s, PowerPoint slides, and other documentation last for years with simple tips and tricks.
Let’s start with an example. Take a look at this course outline for BUS 101: Introduction to Business.
Download the Word Document here: BUS 101 Example Course Outline [opens in Microsoft Word]
These mistakes are very common in this type of documentation, and don’t allow you to re-use it in the future without having to edit the details.
Instead of putting this information in your documentation, you can organize this within the learning experience platform you will be using. Whether you’re using a Learning Management System (LMS), or a platform like Microsoft Teams or Slack, there are ways to organize your information using tools inside the platform.
Include important information, such as assignments and important dates in one location, and make that location known to your students. Will you be sending out an email? Is it in a separate tab in your LMS? When this information is interspersed throughout, you are bound to miss some things, and that conflicting info creates confusion!
Here are some elements to avoid putting in your documentation:
- Refrain from using sequential numbering. For example, instead of saying/titling “Lecture 1: Basics of Mitosis” simply use “Basics of Mitosis.”
- Avoid adding dates to your slides.
- Be cautious of incorporating web links as these may expire, or get removed from it’s original source. This is more particular to certain web videos or links.
- Avoid discussion of particular assessments as you may change your strategy in the future.
Here’s an example of that same course outline with the above considerations in place.
Download the Word Document here: BUS 101 Example Course Outline (refined) [opens in Microsoft Word]
Videos
Making videos can be time-consuming, and requires a lot of pre-planning. However, dedicating a lot of time in the planning of your video can save you even more time in the long run. In this section, we will discuss some simple tips to make efficient videos that you can reuse year after year.
Full video with transcript [opens in new tab]
Here are some elements to avoid putting in your videos:
- Avoid referencing the Course Title, Course Section, or any other identifying course details. Doing so limits the re-use of the video because they are so specifically embedded within that one course.
- Do not number your video order. Doing so makes it more difficult to add in new videos (it will disrupt the order) or to re-use your videos in other courses. You might, in the future, want to use only a few videos versus your entire set, or perhaps a fellow instructor wants to use your content in their course.
- Be cautious in referencing current events. While making jokes and being yourself are highly encouraged, it’s best to not date your videos by referencing current events.
Your Turn!
Do you find yourself having to re-create documentation and videos year after year? Take a look at your past works and see if you can spot the items that make your content expire. You may have to create all new content, but don’t worry. Keep the tips below in mind when you’re writing, or recording, to create content you can use for years to come!
Keep these tips in mind when creating your online content:
- Avoid including dates and times for classes, or the classroom location in documents you plan to repurpose.
- Use caution when adding hyperlinks to documents as they may expire or break.
- Avoid mentioning the time, weather, or current events when you are intending to record lasting videos.
- Be cautious of referring to last week’s or next week’s video, as your order sequencing of lectures may change over time.
—Click in the BOTTOM-RIGHT corner of the window above to view in fullscreen.
