Online Teaching Resources
Moving to online teaching can be challenging. You might be deciding on how to deliver content that will engage learners and what resources to use.
A resource Algonquin College has access to is an Adobe program called Spark.
Spark is one of many tools accessed through the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Why use Adobe Spark for online teaching?
Adobe Spark is a simple tool that can transform a typical slide presentation into a more interactive and engaging experience for our online learners.
The content you create on Adobe Spark will be shared as a web link and can be accessed anywhere an internet connection is available.
This demo was created using the Spark Presentation tool, which creates smooth transitioning windows and allows you to layout content in interesting ways. As you will see, this page looks just like a website.
As you glide through this demo, consider how you could develop your content using this tool.
Check out how this page looks on a PC, Tablet or Phone!
Content Layout
You can use Spark to layout your class agenda and lesson content in interesting ways.
There are a variety of text themes and image layout options to choose from.
Images
Spark allows you to easily pair free images with your topics to emphasize points and themes. You also have numerous image formats that are visually appealing and can catch the reader's attention.
Photos selected through Spark are automatically credited at the end of the lesson.
Spark Video
Adobe Spark also has an easy to use presentation feature called Spark Video.
Teaching content can be delivered using a slide show format with text or audio. Slides can also use the free images feature and videos.
Similar to the video provided below, you could develop a slide show and add it to your lesson page.
Sharing Resources
Spark allows you to create buttons to provide simple web links to additional resources in a visually appealing way.
Below you will find a link button to the Algonquin College home page.
You can also post video resources that are easily accessible and can complement your teaching content.
Digital Literacy
Learners can also use Adobe Spark as a way to create engaging assignments and presentations.
This also provides students with a new way to create their work using a digital tool.
All learners have access to the Adobe Creative cloud and a Premium Spark account!
Delivery methods
Synchronous & Asynchronous
- If you are teaching through a video platform, you could use the share screen function
- You could share the lesson link in Brightspace
Accessing the Adobe Creative Cloud
You will need to contact ITS and request access to the Adobe Creative Cloud.
ITS will send you an email with sign-up instructions
- Contact: Ram Sabotic
- sabotir@algonquincollege.com
ITS can assist you with providing students with access to the Adobe Creative Cloud
Resources as listed
[1] J. Verboomen. "Spark Video for online learning & presenting," Adobe Spark, Apr. 19, 2020 [Video file]. Available: https://spark.adobe.com/video/pjuQtLe9USV6B.
[2] Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology, "Ottawa," algonquincollege.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.algonquincollege.com/.
[3] Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology, "Algonquin College "Changing Lives" Commercial," YouTube, Apr 8, 2019 [Video file]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xLEPEgRNO8.
[4] Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology, "Engineering Portfolio," algonquincollege.com, Mar 27, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://algonquincollege.libguides.com/engineering-portfolio. .
Credits:
Created with images by Ivan Aleksic - "From the exhibition "The Nineties: A Glossary of Migrations" https://www.muzej-jugoslavije.org/en/exhibition/devedesete-recnik-migracija/ " • Mia Baker - "Designer’s office space" • Marek Levák - "untitled image" • Kevin Bhagat - "Workhard Anywhere" • bantersnaps - "untitled image" • Nick Morrison - "Laptop and notepad" • Lauren Mancke - "Taking notes at coffee time" • Melinda Gimpel - "Contact" • Kimberly Farmer - "A collection of books. A little time. A lot of learning."