Creating Learning Materials

Now that you have completed the planning for your course, including assessments, you are ready to think about the teaching and learning activities that will comprise the make-up of your course lessons. In a moment, you will explore some guiding considerations for developing content and selecting images, but first please remember the three E’s! Effective Learning Materials are:

Engaging
Equitable
Ethical

Thought bubble — Alexander Limbach / Shutterstock

Content

As you develop content, consider...

Reducing the length of the text in each section: ensure that the text has been deliberately segmented into easily digestible chunks.
Including opportunities to activate prior knowledge.
Explicitly stating instructions (write as if your learners do not have any previous knowledge about how to navigate in an online environment or use technology tools that you may be adopting).
Indicating where the asynchronous module connects to the session, if there is a live session.
Modelling academic integrity by citing any sources using APA Style, or another style adopted by your program.
Using inclusive language and subject matter that will make all learners feel welcome in your course.
Using many different ways to represent information and engage learners, in line with the principles of Universal Design for Learning.

Images

Images can be a meaningful addition to the content of your course. However, for best practices, it is best to ensure that the images serve a purpose, make a specific point, are linked to the materials and teach or enhance a concept. There are a variety of online resources that offer free images that can be used in your modules:

Unsplash

Attribution is appreciated and allows contributors to gain exposure. When downloading an image, you will get the proper credits to include wherever you share the image.

Pexels

All photos and videos on Pexels are free to use. Attribution is not required. Giving credit to the photographer or Pexels is not necessary but always appreciated. You can modify the photos and videos from Pexels.

Pixabay

All images are published under the Pixabay licence. Modification is permitted. Attribution is not required, but it is appreciated.

Wikimedia Commons

Images are published under a variety of Creative Commons licences. Be sure to check the indicated licence requirements and restrictions before selecting an image and follow them carefully.

Burst

All the images on Burst are available for free under the creative commons zero license. There is no copyright attached to the files, so you can download them for personal or commercial use. When it comes to attribution, you can include a link back to Burst, but it is by no means required.

Where to Find More Diversity in Stock Photography

This article offers a list of stock photo providers that go against stereotypes and clichés. These providers ensure to include people of various genders, sexual orientations, cultures and ethnicities.

These are just a few of the options for sourcing free, copyright-friendly images. If you are looking outside these “safe” areas, be careful to look at the licencing restrictions for the image you select and follow them carefully. If you have any difficulty determining whether a specific image can be used, contact Humber’s copyright experts at copyright@humber.ca for guidance.