If you intend to use your custom content for a long time, it is important for you to set up a system that will help you ensure that it is updated. While the main content may be timeless, the examples, humor, and scenarios that you will be using may no longer be relatable. Not only that, you have to think about the software that you are using. There might be a program that can improve the elearning experience of the learners. There may even be a program that will help in assessing how effective the course is. You may want to get this program so you can provide learners with the best course.
As the creator of a course, it is your responsibility to ensure that that custom content in your course is not only updated but full of facts. Any incorrect information that you will provide could prove to be catastrophic when implemented by the learner. This is why you have to be very careful about what you will give them.
Here are some tips that will help you check if your course is updated or not.
Keep your list of resources.
Any resource that you will use when you created the original content should be kept and organized in a file. That way, you can always go back to your list of resources to double check your facts. Sometimes, the author of these resources update their own content. You need to check this from time to time so you can do your own updates.
Check grammar and spelling.
There are sites that will allow you to check grammar and spelling. A poorly constructed sentence can compromise the credibility of the course. Not only that, there are terms that may be spelled differently depending on its use and the source of the content. Make sure you are using the right word for your custom content.
Be careful of quotes.
Quoting someone for what they said should not only be double checked, but triple checked. Look at other resources where that person is quoted to ensure that your original resource is quoting them correctly. Not only that, there are authors who may seem like giving their personal opinion but as it turns out, are only quoting other experts. Make sure you give credit to the right person for the quote you will cite as a fact in your course.
Conduct thorough research about controversial topics.
In case you plan to cite controversial topics or viewpoints, make sure it is backed up by thorough research. This means going over more than 2 resources for every viewpoint that you will discuss. Although the custom content may be focusing on one viewpoint, it is still important to read about the opposing views. That way, you can provide learners with a well-rounded course and they will understand what views should be chosen over the others. You should also present all topics and views carefully so as not to offend any one of your learners.
Know who the experts are and pay attention to them.
There is an expert for every topic, idea or content. Make sure you know who they are so you can use them as reference for your custom content. They should be able to help you check the facts in the course to make sure that it is up-to-date and still valid.
In case you find an error or a piece of information that you need to update in the custom content, make sure the changes are highlighted. That way, those who saw the original version will be informed of the updates done of the course.
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