LEARNING ASSETS
Designing Learning Assets
Once you’ve planned a Module’s learning path, you and your Learning Experience Designer can begin developing the Videos, Readings, Assessments, and other assets that bring it to life.
Creating an online asset often requires more intentional planning than preparing for a class session. Explanations, instructions, examples, feedback, and learner support need to be built into the asset, because you will not be present to clarify them in the moment.
Come back to this section throughout development. Open the guide for the asset you’re working on, and use the shared accessibility, copyright, and AI guidance as questions come up along the way.
Coursera assets
Helpful throughout development
Accessibility, Copyright & AI →From Module plan to Learning Assets
Once you have identified the assets your Module needs, use this page as you begin developing them. Each section highlights a few important considerations for that asset type and points to any available templates or resources.
When planning
Consider why the format fits this part of the learning path and what learners need from it.
While drafting
Use the examples, prompts, and templates to help shape the asset.
As you prepare to share it
Review the draft with your CTL team and note anything you’d still like to work through.
Accessibility, Copyright & AI
Creating learning assets for a public, commercial platform like Coursera brings important accessibility, copyright, and AI considerations that may be less familiar than when you prepare to teach an in-person, for-credit course. Address these considerations throughout development, returning to this reference as you work on each asset with your Learning Experience Designer.
Choose the Learning Asset you’re building
Select a Coursera asset type below to find considerations and resources for developing it.
Video
WHAT IS IT?
A planned audiovisual asset that may combine an instructor’s presence or narration with slides, demonstrations, screen recordings, interviews, animation, or other visuals.
WHEN TO USE IT?
When seeing or hearing something adds value. For example, when learners need an introduction, explanation, demonstration, story, expert perspective, or model of how someone approaches a task.
Reading
WHAT IS IT?
A Reading can be a short page that introduces a file or external resource or a more developed learning experience that brings together written explanation, examples, graphics, code, media, and links.
WHEN TO USE IT?
When learners need time to examine information closely, follow instructions, revisit important material, or use a resource during another part of the Course.
Interactive Plugin
WHAT IS IT?
A Coursera feature that can embed a compatible external webpage, tool, or interactive experience that already exists and is hosted outside the Course.
WHEN TO USE IT?
When approved external content supports the learning experience and embedding it gives learners a more connected way to view or interact with it.
Coach Dialogue
WHAT IS IT?
An AI-powered conversation that responds to a learner’s ideas and choices.
WHEN TO USE IT?
When learners would benefit from explaining their reasoning, considering alternatives, reflecting, or receiving personalized guidance.
Coach Role Play
PilotWHAT IS IT?
An AI-powered activity in which learners practice a conversation with a simulated persona.
WHEN TO USE IT?
When learners need to practice an interpersonal or job-related skill, such as coaching, interviewing, negotiating, or responding to a difficult situation.
Not yet piloted at Duke
Our team has not fully tested this AI-supported tool. If you are interested in using it, talk with your CTL team early so we can plan it as a pilot.
Assessments
WHAT IS IT?
Graded or ungraded questions that allow learners to practice, receive pre-determined feedback, or demonstrate what they have learned.
WHEN TO USE IT?
Throughout a Module to help learners check their understanding, prepare for independent work, and demonstrate achievement of the Module objectives.
Programming Assignment
WHAT IS IT?
Code-based tasks that allow learners to write, modify, debug, or evaluate a program and receive feedback on their work.
WHEN TO USE IT?
When writing or working with code is part of the capability learners need to develop or demonstrate.
Coursera Lab
WHAT IS IT?
Configured, in-browser workspaces where learners can use code, data, software, or other technical tools.
WHEN TO USE IT?
When learners need hands-on experience in a technical environment without completing extensive setup on their own devices.