NHREC Instructor Resources

Distribute Course Materials

Course materials and readings delivered electronically provide flexible pathways for students to engage with course content. Consider providing files, slide decks, videos, and more to keep the teaching and learning momentum in your course.

Keep These Principles In Mind:

Consider synchronous and asynchronous methods:

Some learning materials are best shared in community during live chat sessions, virtual office hours, or small group meetings. These synchronous methods allow for discussion or dynamic engagement and are best for difficult or foundational concepts that require instructor involvement. However, asynchronous methods such as file share, email announcements, or online discussion boards are best for material that can be self-guided or more easily processed individually.

Clearly communicate how course materials will be delivered

Make sure students know when new material is posted and where they can find it. For example, if you post new materials in Canvas/Google Classroom, be sure to let students know what you posted and where to find it. Additionally, be sure to mention why the material is important and how you want them to interact with the material (read and take notes, prepare for a quiz, review with a peer, etc.).

Use common file types and accessible formatting

PDF files are the most common and easily shared file format. With the potential for limited connectivity and/or devices, PDF files are the best choice for most course materials. Consider saving instructional files (documents, presentation slides, etc.) to PDFs, which are easier to read on phones and tablets, and keep the file size small.

Tools For Distributing Course Materials

Share Files In Canvas / Google Classroom:

You can upload most file types in Canvas/Google Classroom. Be sure to organize the content logically in folders. You can make things straightforward by creating folders and menu items for specific weeks or modules.

Resources

Sharing files via Canvas (GSST)

Sharing files via Google Classroom (CTE & SPED)

Convert Documents To PDF

Microsoft Office and Google's G-Suite programs can convert files to PDF. Depending on the program, you may have the option to save as PDF, print as PDF, export to PDF, or download to PDF. PDFs are not editable, so only do this with documents that are intended as read-only.

Resources

Convert Office documents (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) to PDF format (GSST, CTE & SPED)

Scan Readings

If you don't have access to a scanner, but you have a smartphone, consider using an app like Scannable if you need to share content that is not readily available through a digital source. Once your readings are scanned, you can post them to Canvas/Google Classroom (see Share files in Canvas/Google Classroom above)

Resources

Download the Scannable App (GSST, CTE & SPED)

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