Acquiring content for e-learning and blended learning courses involves a combination of creating
original content, curating existing resources, and leveraging various tools and platforms.
Here are some methods you can use:
1. Create Original Content:
• Develop Presentations: Use tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides to create visually appealing
presentations with informative content.
• Record Lectures: Use screen recording software to record lectures or demonstrations.
Tools like OBS Studio, WebEx, or Camtasia are commonly used for this purpose.
• Write Guides and Tutorials: Develop written guides, tutorials, or eBooks that cover specific
topics or concepts.
2. Curate Existing Resources:
• Identify Existing Organizational Materials
• For Non-Proprietary Training, Find Open Educational Resources (OER):
Explore OER repositories like OER Commons, MERLOT, or Khan Academy.
These platforms offer a wide range of free educational materials.
• If permitted by your organization, Use Creative Commons Content:
Search for content licensed under Creative Commons that allows for reuse and modification.
Websites like Wikimedia Commons, Flickr, and Unsplash offer images and other media
with Creative Commons licenses.
• Leverage Online Courses: Utilize existing online courses from platforms like Coursera,
Udemy, or edX. You can incorporate relevant modules or videos into your course.
3. Utilize Interactive Tools and Platforms:
• Interactive Quizzes: Depending on your organization’s IT environment, create interactive quizzes
and assessments using tools like Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, and Google Forms.
• Virtual Labs and Simulations: Use virtual lab environments or simulation software to provide
hands-on learning experiences.
• Discussion Forums: Set up discussion forums or online communities to facilitate
collaborative learning and discussions.
4. Engage with Multimedia Content:
• Video Content: Embed educational videos from platforms like YouTube, Vimeo,
or TED-Ed to supplement course material.
• Podcasts and Audio Resources: Include podcasts or audio lectures relevant to the
course content.
• Infographics and Visual Aids: Incorporate infographics, diagrams, and other visual aids
to enhance understanding of complex concepts.
5. Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts:
• Invite Guest Speakers: Bring in guest speakers or subject matter experts to deliver lectures
or participate in Q&A sessions.
• Interviews and Case Studies: Conduct interviews with industry professionals
or develop case studies to provide real-world examples and insights.
6. Encourage Student-generated Content:
• Student Projects: Assign projects that require students to create multimedia presentations,
videos, or written reports.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Facilitate peer-to-peer learning by encouraging students to share
their own resources, insights, and experiences.
By combining these methods, you can create engaging and comprehensive e-learning and blended learning courses that cater to diverse learning styles and preferences.