The Tools
Creating interactive content for your course doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. Use one of these tools (or all of them!) to provide your students with different ways to review your course content and engage in deeper learning.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is an online tool that makes it easy to foster powerful creative learning experiences. Students and faculty can use Adobe Express to create photo essays, lecture videos, student portfolios, infographics, announcements, and more.
In this video, UTSA's Adobe expert William Schaefer describes ways to use Adobe Express to engage students with your course content.
SoftChalk
Educators of all technical skill levels can make interactive content that students love. You can build from scratch or transform existing material in minutes using SoftChalk to create beautiful, responsive course content. SoftChalk content is accessible from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. As long as your students have an internet connection, they’ll be able to learn from your custom SoftChalk lessons with ease.
Start with this video tutorial to learn more about what you can do with SoftChalk.
Panopto
Panopto is a video recording tool that allows you to record, live stream, manage, and share videos with your students. With Panopto you are able to securely host and share all your original video content, access easy-to-use software for recording and editing videos, embed quizzes and engaging activities inside your videos, and enable captions to make your content available to all student learners.
To make your video lectures interactive, watch this video to learn how to add a quiz!
PlayPosit
Transform your students from passive observers to active learners with PlayPosit, an interactive video and audio platform where learners can explore, analyze, and apply concepts through enriched learning content. Faculty can personalize learning pathways, embed simulations, create branching scenarios, and build threaded discussion boards – all with minimal introduction and training.
Watch this tutorial to learn how to add PlayPosit to your Canvas course.
Tips for Success
Regardless of the tools you use or the modality of your course, these tips will set you up for success!
Make it Relevant
Show how the course material relates to real-life situations or current events. This can help students see the practical relevance of what they're learning.
Foster Critical Thinking
Ask open-ended questions during lectures or in reading assignments that require students to think critically and express their opinions. Create a culture where questions are welcomed and explored.
Check for Understanding
Include quizzes, polls, or short assessments during or after lectures to check comprehension and encourage active participation.
Make it Fun
Integrate gamification elements like badges, points, or leaderboards into your course to incentivize participation and competition.
Make it Personal
Align course content with the interests and passions of your students. When they see a personal connection, they are more likely to engage.