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Types of Course Content

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Types of content

Table 4. Description of content types

Icon

Content Type

Description

The assignment icon, which looks like a piece of paper

Assignment

Instructors use assignments to assess your knowledge of course content and objectives. Your instructors often assign grades to assignments. Instructors can also create assignments for groups of students.

The test icon, which looks like a piece of paper with pencil marks on it

Test

Instructors use tests to assess your knowledge. Instructors can also create tests for groups of students.

The link to discussions icon, which looks like a conversation bubble with a link on it

Link to discussions

Instructors can provide a link to a discussion near related content. For example, you might be asked to read a file and then respond in discussions.

The journal icon, which looks like a notebook

Journal

Instructors can use journals to communicate privately with you and can grade your contributions.

The document icon, which looks like a piece of paper with some text and an image on it

Document

Instructors can create a page or "handout" and add text, audio, video, files, and images. Based on the settings or what the browser allows, audio, video, and image files can appear inline.

The file icon, which looks like a piece of paper with some text and an image on it

File

Select a file title to download it.

The SCORM icon, which looks like a piece of paper with the word SCORM written on it

SCORM

Instructors can add web-based content packages from academic publishers or instructional designers. SCORM packages open in a new window and may count for a grade.

The audio icon, which looks like musical notes

Audio

Audio files appear inline or open in new windows or tabs. You have controls to pause, play, and adjust the volume.

The icon for Microsoft Documents

Embedded Cloud Document

If your institution uses this feature, instructors can link a read-only Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file to your course. The content also appears in your course outline.

Icon for a Google Document

Google Document

If your institution uses this feature, instructors can link read-only Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides to your course. The content also appears in your course outline.

Icon for Google Collaborative Document

Google Collaborative Document

If your institution uses this feature, instructors can share Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides with you and your classmates to edit in your course. The content also appears in your course outline.

The image icon, which looks like an image of mountains

Image

Images appear inline or open in new windows or tabs.

Icon for AI Conversation, which looks like a speech bubble with sparkles

AI Conversation

Instructors can create a conversation with an AI persona to encourage critical thinking about a topic.

The video icon, which looks like a play button

Video

Video files appear in inline or open in new windows or tabs. You have controls to pause, play, and adjust the volume.

The link icon, which looks like a piece of paper with a link on it

Link

Select the link to go to a website or resource.

The folder icon, which looks like a folder

Folder

A folder is a content container. Instructors can use folders and sub-folders to group related material, such as a "Week 1 Case Studies" folder inside the "Week 1 Assignments" folder. Folders make materials easier to find and reduces scrolling.

Icon for Learning Module in Ultra

Learning module

Modules let you navigate from one content item to the next without distractions or extra clicks. A learning module keeps you focused on the lesson or concept.