Best Practice 8: Provide Web-Accessible Content and Resources

Focus on content resources and applications and links to current events and examples that are easily accessed from learner's computers

If content is not digital, it is as if it does not exist for students. This means that the content that students will more likely use is that content and applications that are available from their computers. Students want to be learning anywhere, anytime and often while they are doing other things.. Carrying around large, heavy textbooks and even laptops sometimes feels like an anachronism. Content that is mobile and can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, and hand-held players are welcome additions for many students.

For many courses, however, textbooks are not yet available in digital form, so this best practice applies mostly to supplementary resources and to library resources. A reference document with detailed instructions on accessing library resources is included in most courses.

Students enjoy seeing how what they are learning links to current news events. Thus, building into a course discussions and links to current events is often motivating to learners. So, this best practice includes the following: Encourage students to help make the best use of the world of Internet resources. Enlist student assistance in identifying high quality content that is relevant and available online. This can include tutorials, simulations and supplementary statistical material online.