How to Manage Content for Online Learning

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only forced the rapid adoption of digital learning across institutions, but it has also brought to the fore the importance of developing compelling online learning content for today’s tech-savvy millennial generation. While some form of online learning material has existed for a while now, the current situation demands a higher level of content management since most teaching sessions are now fully online.

It is therefore important to be able to manage content effectively to deliver the most engaging learning experience for students. The goal is to ensure online learning sessions do not blindly replicate physical classroom sessions – but to instead improve upon the prevailing learning experiences for students.

Audio-visual aids including animations, videos, images etc., along with relevant reading material and flexible delivery methods can result in a more holistic learning experience for learners.

Formats of Learning Content

The most commonly used content formats by educators currently are listed here:

PPTs
Videos
Interactives
E-learning modules
Tests, quizzes, and assessments
Podcasts
E-books
AR/VR

Content Management

It is important to design and standardize a content strategy. Some things to think about:

Identify Learning Content

This process can be initiated by determining the content requirements for the class or course. Instead of compiling all the learning material straight away, it is best to analyze the needs and demands of the learning group before finalizing the requirements.

Learning objectives should be clearly defined before this step. This helps identify the specific type of content that will help deliver the best online learning experience for students. It is advisable not to use pre-created content since it may not align with the learning plan.

Assemble the Content

It is important to understand what formats are supported in the online learning system – a good system should support audio, video, documents, e-learning, interactive elements, and assessments.

Another factor to consider is the content hierarchy. Most systems allow you to create independent resources and then group them into learning paths or programs. The greater the levels of content that can be configured, the more flexibility you have in assembling the content.

There are also a large number of free content resources available – but do take the time to curate and choose only the most relevant.

Identifying the most effective content formats

While high quality content is of paramount importance, it is equally important to be able to identify the required content types to be used for different sessions depending on the needs of the learners. While some sessions may involve more audio-visual aids, some sessions may not and could end up becoming a distraction.

It is also essential to keep in mind other factors such as time, size, and pre-existing knowledge of the learning group.

Recorded Lectures

Due to the variety, size and volume of content that may be used for online sessions, it is imperative that educators ensure the teaching-learning resources are recorded so that they can be accessed comfortably later.

Some dos and don’ts while designing, creating, and assembling content

Make sure the information across learning materials is arranged in a manner that helps students move from simple to complex learning components during the learning
If the flow of content is not sequential, it is important that educators ensure they are organized as standalone learning
Modules across the learning journey should be related and supplement each They should help move the learning discourse forward.
If certain topics require prior knowledge, it must be communicated in advance to the learning Prerequisites can be added in the online learning system to ensure learners are aware of them.
Learners should be able to control the flow of the course and access the resources based on their

Importance of a Learning Management System

A good learning management system (LMS) will help in managing content effectively to deliver captivating and productive online teaching sessions. It also offers the following benefits:

An LMS encourages learners to actively participate in controlling their learning It keeps them engaged in the process rather than just being passive receivers of information.
Students can have access to learning content anywhere,
An effective LMS helps deliver learning on the devices preferred by students, thereby providing much needed flexibility and resulting in extended