Building and Launching Courses: 1. Chalkboards

event April 9, 2025 inbox_text Building & Launching Courses

Chalkboards are one of the most versatile and powerful elements in DigitalChalk, allowing you to create engaging multimedia lessons. This element type combines video, audio, slides, checkpoints, and chapter points to deliver a comprehensive learning experience. Here’s how to effectively use Chalkboards in your course development:

Creating a Chalkboard Element

To add a Chalkboard to your course:

1. Navigate to your course’s Elements page.

2. Click “Add Element” and select “Chalkboard” from the dropdown menu.

3. Fill in the required fields, including title and description.

4. Click “Save” to create the Chalkboard element.

Chalkboard Components

A Chalkboard consists of several key components:

Media: Upload video or audio files to serve as the main content (required).
Slides: Add images or text slides to complement your media (optional).
Checkpoints: Insert questions or interactive elements at specific points in the media (optional).
Chapter Points: Create navigation markers within your content (optional).

Adding Media

To add media to your Chalkboard:

1. Click on the “Media” tab in the Chalkboard editor.

2. Click the “+” button, and then choose “Upload Media” and select your video or audio file.

3. Wait for the file to upload and process.

Supported formats include MP4, MP3, and WebM. Ensure your files meet the platform’s size and format requirements.

Creating Slides

To add slides:

1. Navigate to the “Slides” tab.

2. To upload slides you already created, click the “+” button, and upload your file. To create new slides, click “Add Slide” and choose between text or image slides.

3. For text slides, enter your content and format as needed.

4. For image slides, upload your image and add any necessary captions.

Inserting Checkpoints

Checkpoints allow you to add interactivity:

1. Go to the “Manage Checkpoints” tab.

2. Click the “+” and choose the type (e.g., attention check, multiple choice, true/false).

3. Enter your question and answer options.

4. Set the time in the media where the checkpoint should appear.

5. Establish the desired consequence for failing to satisfy the checkpoint requirement.

Setting Chapter Points

Chapters help with navigation:

1. Access the “Manage Chapters” tab.

2. Click the “+” to add a new chapter.

3. Enter a title for the chapter.

4. Set the time in the media where the chapter point should begin.

Best Practices for Chalkboards

Keep videos concise: Aim for 5-10 minute segments to maintain engagement.
Use high-quality media: Ensure your audio and video are clear and professional.
Balance content: Mix media, slides, and checkpoints to create an interactive experience.
Align visuals: Ensure your slides complement and reinforce the audio/video content.
Use checkpoints strategically: Place them at key moments to reinforce important concepts.
Provide clear navigation: Use chapter points to allow easy review of specific sections.

Remember to preview your Chalkboard regularly as you build it to ensure all components work together seamlessly. With thoughtful design, Chalkboards can become powerful tools for delivering engaging and effective online learning experiences.