Among many challenges of the shift to online learning, one facing teachers is converting normal class material into material that can be accessed online. Many forms of teaching relied on in person interaction and collaboration. This may not be available in the same capacity as we’re used to but teachers need not fret. There are many useful tools teachers can use to make their online classrooms just as effective as their in person ones. With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide to help you become a pro at converting and creating content for your online classroom.
Choose the right tool
First things first, you must select the right conversion tool, and fortunately there are plenty to choose from. We recommend one that is responsive and mobile compatible to keep students as engaged and interested as possible. Popular tools include Canva, Elucidat, Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate and iSpring. These tools provide simple and effective features that convert your lessons into high-quality resources. Elucidat is cloud-based and several instructors can work on the same project at the same time. Tools like iSpring convert slides into HTML5 and incorporate your content, audio/video files, and animations. Choose the tool that best works for you and your material.
Use pre-made templates
Designing courses from scratch is an unnecessary waste of time and resources. There are TONS of pre-made layouts and designs available with feature such as course objectives, definitions, quotes, and summaries. Check out sites like PresenterMedia and Fastercourse for these resources, but heads up: they’re not free. If you’re looking for a free plan, opt for sites like Freepik, Canva, Piktochart, Animaker, or Mind The Graph.
Lessen content per slide
Slides full of text can be a turn-off for students and cause information overload in back-to-back classes. To prevent that, convert multiple bullets into single pagers: one page for one bullet with graphics or recorded audio for an easy and concise teaching experience.
Save your PowerPoint in MP4 format
This is a super easy trick most are unaware of. PowerPoint not only allows you to add animations, audio, and video to your slides but also convert them into video format. All you need to do is follow these easy steps:
- Click File → SaveAs.
- Change file format from .pptx to MP4
- Click Save
Or
- Create your PowerPoint presentation as normal and save it
- Click File → Export
- Click Create a Video
- Customize size and quality
- Click Create Video and enter appropriate filename and saving location (.mp4 or .wmv)
- Click Save to start video creation process
Once you convert your PowerPoint to MP4 format, you can share it on YouTube or other video platforms so students who don’t have PowerPoint don’t have to install it. This can also increase your audience and accessibility. If your students have unstable internet access, downloading the PowerPoint video allows them to access it even when their internet connection is down.
If you’re a teacher trying to convert material during COVID-19, you’re not alone. There are tons of resources and tools available to convert your content into an online format, which will not only foster creativity but also motivate and engage your students. We hope you’ve found these tips helpful.
