Choosing Materials
A variety of materials and formats are available to use in online teaching. It is best to use many of these when presenting information online -- variety works well. You may need to include instructions for students on how to use some of
For more on materials and formats, see Content and Multimedia
Textbook
- Best if visual and organized into workable sections
- Online e-books are available - less expensive, but not as portable - also reading large amounts of text online can be tiring (
smart phones , and e-book readers may change this - see sidebar) - Consider using no textbook at all or use zero cost options.
Supplements
- Publisher content can be included as less expensive bundles with textbooks
- CD/DVDs can contain extra videos, presentations, labs
Video/Audio
- Streaming allows instant viewing with download lag
- mp4 is the most common format for video
- YouTube and
other video can be embedded in Canvas - See Library Media faculty services for more options
Presentations
- Add graphics, audio narration, and video (see Content)
- Use free "
flowgram " programs for interactive Web presentations (see Programs/Applications for information)
Graphics and Animation
- Use a digital camera or royalty-free clipart
- Develop
you own animations using Flash or other programs - Add narration to even still photos, diagrams, charts, or graphs for effect
Podcasts and more
- Mp3 audio or Mp4 video can be used by students on the go via smartphones
Exercise
- Various programs allow you to make interactive crossword puzzles, games, flashcards (see Useful Resources)
Website
- Newspapers, journals, academic departments online (see Useful Resources)
- Can be viewed smartphones
Libraries
- Video with tips to help your students conduct quality research
- Give assignments to students involving local or college libraries
Labs
- Use simulated, online, or at-home lab exercises - "dry" labs (see sidebar for links and examples)
Conferencing
- Two-way video and audio for live virtual classrooms
- Students need a connected camera and microphone (webcam, headset)
- ConferZoom - Free video conferencing and webinar software for all California Community Colleges. See Using ConferZoom in Canvas.
- For a list of
conferencing solutions see Useful Resources
Last Updated: 08/23/2019
