Introduction
This article introduces Engageli's module builder, a powerful tool designed to help instructors build engaging, asynchronous course content.
In the traditional self-paced learning model, online courses often consist of several hourlong videos--each tied to a specific lecture or topic. Learners typically absorb the material passively and may complete a quiz at the end to earn a passing score.
The module builder transforms this experience. It enables course creators to break long videos into shorter segments and insert interactive activities throughout, boosting learner engagement. The builder's integrated AI handles many of the repetitive tasks, allowing course creators to focus their expertise on reviewing and refining the final output.
Below is an example screenshot of the module builder environment:
How to Access the Module Builder
The builder is typically accessed from the "Class Portal" > "Modules" tab. From there, you can either edit an existing module or add a new one. Both options will take you into the builder screen. Please see the below reference image highlighting the Modules tab from within the Class Portal.
Example Workflow of Creating Course with the Module Builder
In this section, we'll provide a sample workflow of how an asynchronous course that leverages the module builder would be created. Before diving into this, keep these fundamentals in mind:
- The module builder is used to create "modules", which act as individual lessons or lectures. Think of them as self-contained sessions--similar to a weekly 2-hour class meeting over 12 weeks. In Engageli, that might translate to a 12-module course, with each module offering 2 hours of content.
- One Engageli Classroom typically hosts all content for a single course. For example, a classroom labeled "Intro to Astronomy" would contain all 12 modules and serve as the course's central location.
- Learners access modules through the classroom's Playback Room.
- Course creators can control the sequence in which modules appear to learners in the Playback Room, ensuring that content is delivered in a structured, purposeful order.
Below is a workflow of how an asynchronous course would typically be created in our platform:
- The course creator creates a classroom, then goes to its "Class Portal" > "Modules" tab.
- The course creator clicks the "+" button at the top-right of the page to add a new module, as highlighted below:
- The course creator uploads a file containing a single lecture to act as the base file. This becomes the video file upon which supplemental materials and activities are layered. The system begins to process the base video, as shown in the below sample image:
- After the video is processed, the system will leverage AI to generate a list of activities and insert them at relevant timestamps. The course creator will review these and approve or adjust them as needed. After these initial activities are reviewed, the course creator can make further adjustments. Below is an example image of the initial prompt that appears, as well as all the auto-generated activities:
- Once the course creator feels the module is ready, they will "Publish" the module. This button is found at the bottom-right of the builder screen, as shown below:
- Repeat the process to create as many modules as needed for the course.
- Once all modules are created, the course creator goes to "Class Portal" > "Learning Path" and arranges the modules, so that they are presented to learners in a logical order. Items can be arranged via drag-and-drop. See the below reference image of the "Learning Path" page in the Class Portal.
- Learners are added to the roster and given links to the classroom (or simply given guest links), where they can visit the Playback Room and begin going through the modules. From within the Playback Room, learners will want to select the "Learning Path" icon from the bottom menu to open its corresponding side panel, where all Learning Path items will appear. An example of this is shown below: