Finding the Right Balance for Online Course Design
Designing an online course is both an art and a science, requiring instructors to make thoughtful decisions about how to deliver content effectively. At the heart of this process lies a pivotal question: should you create all your course materials, or should you curate existing resources? While these approaches are often seen as opposing strategies, they can actually complement each other when used thoughtfully. By understanding the strengths of each method—and asking the right guiding questions—instructors can craft courses that are engaging, efficient, and tailored to their learners’ needs.
The Power of Content Creation
Content creation is a deeply personal and highly customizable approach to course design. When instructors develop their own materials, they infuse their unique voice, expertise, and perspective into the learning experience. This is especially valuable for courses that require a specific tone, messaging, or alignment with learning outcomes.
Creating original content allows for unmatched control. Instructors can craft materials that fit their course objectives exactly, ensuring that every resource, activity, and example is relevant and purposeful. For instance, a history professor might create a video lecture on a rarely discussed event, drawing on their own research to provide students with a unique perspective. This level of customization fosters a strong connection between the instructor and their students, enhancing engagement and building trust.
Beyond meeting course goals, creating content is also an opportunity to showcase expertise and creativity. Original materials, such as explainer videos, infographics, or interactive simulations, not only educate but also enhance the instructor’s and institution’s reputation. These assets can be reused and refined, becoming a lasting resource for future courses.
Content creation, while offering unparalleled customization, comes with significant downsides. The most obvious challenge is the time and effort required to produce high-quality materials. From scripting and recording videos to designing activities and assessments, the process can be overwhelming, particularly for instructors who are already managing heavy teaching or administrative workloads. Additionally, creating content demands technical skills and resources that not all educators possess, potentially requiring costly training or collaboration with instructional designers. Another issue is sustainability—created content can quickly become outdated, especially in fast-evolving fields, necessitating frequent revisions to maintain relevance. This constant upkeep can drain time and energy, making content creation a less practical choice for instructors with limited bandwidth. Moreover, overemphasis on creation may lead to missed opportunities to incorporate diverse perspectives and expertise available through curated resources.
The Case for Content Curation
While creating content offers personalization, curation provides efficiency and access to a wealth of high-quality materials. In a world where information is abundant, curating existing resources allows instructors to focus on selecting and organizing the best materials rather than starting from scratch. This approach is particularly effective for fields with rapidly evolving content, such as technology or medicine.
Curating content transforms the instructor into a guide or curator, thoughtfully assembling resources to create a cohesive learning experience. For example, instead of creating a video on climate change, an instructor might select a recent TED Talk by an expert in the field, supplementing it with their own commentary or discussion questions. This not only saves time but also exposes students to diverse perspectives and professionally produced materials.
The key to effective curation lies in adding value. Curated resources should be more than a collection of links—they should be contextualized and integrated into the course in a meaningful way. An instructor might pair an article with a reflective activity or use a video as the basis for a group discussion. This ensures that curated content becomes part of an active learning experience rather than passive consumption.
Curation also allows instructors to stay current. Instead of relying on static materials, they can update their course with the latest research, tools, and insights, keeping the content relevant and engaging. And by leveraging existing resources, instructors free up time to focus on facilitating discussions, providing feedback, and supporting their students.
Guiding Questions for Instructors
To strike the right balance between creating and curating, instructors can ask themselves key questions as they design their courses:
What are my learning objectives?
- Does the material need to be tailored to meet specific outcomes, or can existing resources achieve the same goal?
What resources are available?
- Are there high-quality, up-to-date materials that align with my course’s goals?
What is my time and expertise?
- Do I have the bandwidth and skills to create original content, or would curation allow me to focus on other aspects of teaching?
Where can I add the most value?
- Should I focus my efforts on creating core materials, like an introduction video or custom assessments, while curating supplemental content?
What will engage my students most effectively?
- Will original content create a stronger personal connection, or will curated materials provide diverse perspectives and richer experiences?
How can I make curated content my own?
- Can I add context, activities, or commentary to ensure curated resources feel relevant and intentional?
What is sustainable for the long term?
- Will created content need frequent updates, or can I rely on curated materials to stay current?
Striking the Right Balance
The choice between creating and curating isn’t an either/or decision—it’s about finding a balance that fits the course’s needs and the instructor’s strengths. For foundational elements, such as introductory videos or personalized assessments, content creation might be the best approach. For supplemental materials or rapidly changing topics, curation offers efficiency and access to diverse perspectives.
By blending these strategies, instructors can create courses that are both efficient to design and impactful for learners. Whether through the personalization of original content or the richness of curated resources, the ultimate goal remains the same: to craft an engaging, meaningful learning experience that empowers students to succeed. With a thoughtful approach and the right guiding questions, instructors can harness the best of both worlds and bring their teaching vision to life.
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