Building and Launching Courses: 2. Elements

Elements are the building blocks of your courses in DigitalChalk. They allow you to create diverse and engaging content for your students. Here’s an overview of the different element types available and how to use them:

Types of Elements

• Chalkboard: The most versatile element, ideal for combining video, audio, slides, checkpoints, and chapter points.
• Test: Create assessments with 13 different question types, including true/false and multiple-choice.
• Survey: Gather non-graded feedback from students.
• File: Upload documents like syllabi, diagrams, or written instructions for students to download.
• Assignment: Set up online or offline tasks for students to complete.
• External Site: Link to external websites or resources.
• Learning Package: Upload SCORM, xAPI, AICC, web archives, or PowerPoint files.
• Instructor-Led: Create live training sessions integrated with webinar tools.
• **Course Section: Group related elements together for better organization (Use the dropdown next to Add Element to add a section).

Adding Elements to Your Course

To add an element:

1. Navigate to your course’s Elements page.

2. Click “Add Element” in the upper right corner.

3. Select the desired element type from the dropdown menu.

4. Fill in the required fields (marked with red asterisks) and any optional information.

5. Click “Save” to create the element.

Element Editing Suite

After creating an element, you can further customize it:

• Edit details like title, description, and tags.
• Manage content specific to the element type.
• Set up notifications for element completion.
• Preview the element from a student’s perspective.
• Activate or deactivate the element.

Best Practices

• Variety is key: Use a mix of different element types to keep your course engaging and cater to various learning styles.
• Organize with sections: Utilize Course Section elements to group related content and create a logical flow.
• Keep it concise: Break down long content into smaller, manageable elements to maintain student focus.
• Use multimedia: Leverage Chalkboard elements to combine visual and auditory content for enhanced learning experiences.
• Regular assessments: Incorporate Test elements throughout the course to reinforce learning and provide feedback.
• Practical application: Include Assignment elements to allow students to apply what they’ve learned.
• Supplement with resources: Use File elements to provide additional reading materials or reference documents.

By mastering the use of these various element types, you can create rich, interactive courses that effectively engage your students and facilitate learning. Remember to preview your elements regularly to ensure they appear and function as intended for your students.