Course content types

The PropLIBRARY Course System uses just a handful of content types for all of the course content:

• Articles. Use this for text with graphics and links. It can used for a textbook topic or it can be a description and a link. We use it for repurposing the content from the PropLIBRARY website. The target for this content type is 500-1500 words, but it will support much longer lengths. Formatting is limited to what the web-based editor supports. Tables can be created, but are a pain.
• Files. Use this for any MS-Office, PDF, or other file you'd like a student to download and read or use. You can use this instead of articles for textbook sections. You can also use it for including spreadsheets or presentations. You can use it for more advanced formatting than the web-based article editor supports. We use it for checklists, references, tables, attachments, handouts, data, etc.
• Presentations. PowerPoint files can be exported as images and turned into online presentations. These will not contain animations or sounds (including voice overs). For animations and voice overs, consider turning your PowerPoint into a screencast video. Since the slide will need to stand alone, you should make sure any existing PowerPoint is self-explanatory.
• Video. You can include video from a live presentation, a screencast, or anything else. You must have a video file to upload. If you want to point to a YouTube video, you should use an article with a link or embed. We recommend a video length of less than 10 minutes. A one hour (or longer) video is supported, but is best presented as a series of individua 10 minute videos. 
• Exercises. Exercises can take different forms. But usually they will be implemented with either a file or a forum. You also have the option of making them self-reviewed or instructor-reviewed. But instructor-reviewed are usually limited to a set number or time period, since you don't want to be committed to reviewing a randomly received exercise for a student at some undetermined future date. Exercises that are files contain the instructions, including self-assessment guidance if the exercises is not instructor-reviewed. They can involve writing sentences or paragraphs, or correcting them. They can involve spreadsheets or presentations. Anything you can put in a file and explain. Forums can be used to create exercises that involve interacting with other students. A forum-based exercise usually involves posting, reviewing, or commenting on something someone else posted. They can be used to explain and explore while interacting with other students since everyone who takes a course can see the forum for that course. Most exercises should be scaled to require less than an hour to complete. An exercise should be used to complete a skills-based module, but they can also be used anywhere they aid in learning something. The more interactivity the better. If the exercise is a file, the instructor must create the file that the student will download. If the exercise is a forum, the instructor must create the copy for the initial post that will explain to students what they are supposed to do.
• Quizzes. Quizzes have several question types. The questions and answers need to be entered. You will need to create 2.5 times as many questions as you intend the quiz to have. This will create a pool of questions that can be randomized so that students can take a quick more than once. PropLIBRARY will automatically grade the quizzes and award points. Every module that is knowledge based should end with a quiz. But the quiz function can be used for progress or even fun. They can be used as a learning tool, similar to an exercise.