Content
| Even though online can sometimes make the instructor seem invisible and more of a proctor than a teacher, students still expect the instructor to contribute something beyond the textbook. So, what is content and how do you get it onto your site? |
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Your Lectures and Handouts |
- Lecture notes and handouts can be converted within Word (or other programs) into html or pdf format for easy posting within Bb
- If lecture notes only exist in print form, scan the pages with an OCR program
- Add graphics to your lecture notes and add more white space for on-screen clarity
- Don't use underlining (since these usually designate links online) and do not use more than two font types for readability
- Use separate pages rather than one "long scroll" page
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PowerPoint or Flash Presentations |
- You might just convert your F2F PP presentation to html or pdf (standard ppt also works)
- Flash allows more imaginative flexibility in presentations (see Programs/Applications) but has a steeper learning curve
- Adding narration (just insert audio) substitutes for the missing lecture component in online courses (see the sidebar in the Multimedia area)
- Make sure file sizes are small for browser efficiency (see sidebar: Reducing File Size in PowerPoint)
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Video Lectures |
- Record yourself in class or make a special recording of you presenting material or record yourself reading summaries of main points, stories that relate to the material, poetry
- Record video interviews, simulations, examples, demos, your own "news" footage
- Capture a demonstration on your computer (with a screen recording/motion capture program - see Programs), add narration, and save to a video or Flash file
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Extra Publisher Content |
- Can include online or CD/DVD videos, glossaries, links to content, exercises based on content (and avoid problems with copyright)
- Comes either as a Bb-compatible bundle with your textbook or as standalone (here is an example: WebTutor Toolbox)
- Use online textbook "companion sites" (here is an example: Plotnik Companion Site )
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Online Content Sites |
- New sites are being created that specialize in supplying online content (links, videos on demand, MP3s, even animations - see Brain Pop)
- See Useful Resources for listings
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Web Links |
- Great sources available (check your textbook companion sites or Useful Resources on this site)
- Always check for the validity of links before your course begins each semester
- But, make sure the sites have easy navigation and not too many popups or ads - check for a credible source or author (see Evaluating the Quality of WWW Resources)
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Library Resources |
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(and more) |
- Do a search for various topics such as famous people in your area (example from psychology)
- Use YouTube videos for critical thinking, application or for parts of other exercises
- Create and post your own videos to YouTube (see an example from Steve Weinert's Statistics class)
- Use other video sites such as:
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Remember to always include bullets with learning objectives and instructions for each of these content areas in your Bb course.
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