Tutorials are short lessons that cover a single learning objective. Sometimes this might be just one learning target or several, depending on now you have designed your curriculum. We have found that students are more successful if they can focus on one idea at a time but in several ways. A common system we see being used by authors would be to use multiple inserts in the same tutorial using a variety of media forms. For example, you may want to post your class notes in pdf format, a copy of the powerpoint you might have created and a quick video clip all covering the same objective from class. This gives the learner the chance to choose his/her preferred method of reviewing the information shared in the tutorial.
This example is from a high school chemistry class and reviews scientific notation and significant figures for students. You'll notice that the last item is supplied to be sure students understand the material at the necessary level. This is one way how formative assessment could be included in a tutorial.
Tutorials, playlists and groups can all be created by using the "Create New" button in the upper right hand corner of each page. This is the most direct route to start working.
There is a series of tutorials in the playlist "Tutorials: Getting Your Content Online" that provides a series of screencasts with directions on using the tools in Sophia.
Click Here to learn more.
A playlist would be most similar to a unit in a traditional classroom setting. A playlist can be created in order to place specific tutorials in the order you would like your class to view them and complete any work you have assigned. In the description text box, you can include in directions, timelines, notes, etc. as an introduction to the unit.
You can include any tutorials you have created as well as any other tutorials you have found that you think would be valuable for your students too study. For each tutorial, you also have the capacity to make comments for the learners to read if there is something specific you would like them to know. Here is one EXAMPLE from a high school science class.
The fastest way to start your playlist is the yellow button in the upper right hand corner of the page. Under the Create New, there is a drop-down and one choice is playlist. You will be prompted to enter a name and description. Be sure to be as informative as you can along with the tag words so your content is more searchable.
CLICK HERE for the playlist "Playlists: Organizing My Content"
