Content Philosophy and Strategy
Core Philosophy
At Conan School, we believe that effective learning happens through diverse experiences rather than single-source content delivery. Our learners need to experience a rich variety of content, games, and tools to develop comprehensive understanding and practical skills.
Learning Experience Framework
Diverse Content Exposure
Learning is not about consuming one type of content, but about experiencing multiple perspectives and approaches:
- Multiple Content Types: Videos, articles, podcasts, infographics, case studies
- Varied Learning Formats: Interactive simulations, games, practical exercises
- Different Tool Experiences: Industry-standard software, online platforms, mobile apps
- Diverse Perspectives: Content from various experts, companies, and viewpoints
Content Curation vs. Content Creation
Our Strategic Approach:
- 80% Curation: Find, evaluate, and organize the best existing content
- 20% Creation: Develop unique content only when necessary gaps exist
Why Curation First?
- Quality: Access to world-class content from top experts
- Efficiency: Focus resources on learning design rather than content production
- Diversity: Expose learners to multiple teaching styles and approaches
- Currency: Always access to the latest industry trends and updates
Content Sourcing Strategy
External Content Sources
Video Content
- YouTube: Expert talks, tutorials, case studies
- Vimeo: Professional educational content
- TED/TEDx: Inspirational and thought-provoking presentations
- Coursera/Udemy: Specific lesson segments (with proper licensing)
- Industry Conferences: Recorded sessions and presentations
Interactive Tools & Games
- Kahoot: Quiz games and interactive assessments
- Mentimeter: Live polling and word clouds
- Padlet: Collaborative boards and discussions
- Miro/Mural: Visual collaboration tools
- Industry-specific simulators: Role-playing and scenario-based learning
Reading Materials
- Medium Articles: Industry insights and case studies
- Harvard Business Review: Strategic thinking pieces
- Industry Reports: Latest research and trends
- Company Blogs: Real-world examples and best practices
- Academic Papers: Foundational theories and research
Practical Tools
- Free Industry Tools: Canva, Google Analytics, Trello
- Trial Versions: Professional software experiences
- Open Source Alternatives: Cost-effective learning tools
- Online Platforms: Real-world application environments
Content Selection Criteria
Quality Standards
- Credibility: Authoritative sources and expert creators
- Relevance: Direct application to learning objectives
- Engagement: Interactive and compelling presentation
- Currency: Up-to-date information and examples
Learning Impact
- Skill Development: Practical application opportunities
- Knowledge Transfer: Clear and actionable insights
- Retention: Memorable and impactful experiences
- Application: Real-world relevance and utility
Implementation Framework
Content Discovery Process
Step 1: Identify Learning Objectives
- Define specific skills and knowledge outcomes
- Map content needs to learning goals
- Identify content gaps and opportunities
Step 2: Research and Discovery
- Systematic Search: Use multiple channels and platforms
- Expert Networks: Leverage industry connections
- Student Feedback: Incorporate learner recommendations
- Trend Analysis: Monitor emerging content and tools
Step 3: Evaluation and Selection
- Quality Assessment: Review content against criteria
- Licensing Check: Ensure proper usage rights
- Technical Compatibility: Verify platform integration
- Learning Effectiveness: Test with pilot groups
Step 4: Integration and Presentation
- Context Setting: Provide learning framework
- Guided Experience: Structure the content journey
- Reflection Activities: Process and apply learnings
- Assessment Integration: Measure learning outcomes
Content Library Management
Organization System
- By Learning Objective: Content mapped to specific outcomes
- By Content Type: Videos, articles, tools, games
- By Difficulty Level: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
- By Industry/Domain: Subject-specific categorization
Quality Maintenance
- Regular Reviews: Quarterly content audits
- Link Monitoring: Ensure content accessibility
- Relevance Updates: Replace outdated materials
- User Feedback: Incorporate learner evaluations
Learning Experience Design
Multi-Modal Learning Journey
Pre-Class Experience
- Exploratory Content: Multiple perspectives on topic
- Interactive Preparation: Games and tools for engagement
- Self-Assessment: Understanding current knowledge level
Live Session Integration
- Content Discussion: Process and analyze materials
- Tool Demonstration: Hands-on experience with platforms
- Collaborative Activities: Apply learning through interaction
Post-Class Application
- Practice Tools: Real-world application platforms
- Extended Resources: Additional exploration materials
- Community Sharing: Peer recommendations and discoveries
Engagement Strategies
Gamification Elements
- Content Challenges: Discover and share new resources
- Tool Mastery: Progressive skill building across platforms
- Peer Curation: Student-led content recommendations
- Achievement Badges: Recognition for diverse engagement
Social Learning
- Content Discussions: Analyze and debate materials
- Tool Collaboration: Group projects using various platforms
- Resource Sharing: Peer-to-peer content discovery
- Expert Interviews: Live sessions with content creators
Quality Assurance
Content Vetting Process
Initial Screening
- Source credibility verification
- Content accuracy validation
- Learning objective alignment
- Technical quality assessment
Educational Review
- Pedagogical effectiveness evaluation
- Learning progression suitability
- Engagement factor analysis
- Assessment integration potential
Continuous Monitoring
- Student feedback collection
- Learning outcome tracking
- Content performance analytics
- Regular relevance reviews
Success Metrics
Learning Effectiveness
- Knowledge Retention: Post-content assessments
- Skill Application: Practical demonstration abilities
- Engagement Levels: Content completion and interaction rates
- Student Satisfaction: Feedback and recommendations
Content Performance
- Usage Analytics: Access patterns and preferences
- Completion Rates: Content consumption metrics
- Quality Ratings: Student and instructor evaluations
- Impact Measurement: Learning outcome correlations
Strategic Benefits
For Learners
- Comprehensive Exposure: Multiple expert perspectives
- Real-World Relevance: Current industry tools and practices
- Diverse Learning Styles: Various content formats and approaches
- Practical Skills: Hands-on experience with professional tools
For Conan School
- Resource Efficiency: Focus on curation over creation
- Quality Leverage: Access to world-class content
- Scalability: Rapidly expand content offerings
- Innovation: Stay current with industry developments
For Industry Preparation
- Tool Familiarity: Experience with actual workplace platforms
- Best Practice Exposure: Learn from multiple industry leaders
- Trend Awareness: Stay updated with latest developments
- Network Building: Connect with broader professional community
Implementation Guidelines
Content Acquisition Workflow
- Identify Content Needs based on learning objectives
- Research Available Resources across multiple platforms
- Evaluate Content Quality using established criteria
- Secure Usage Rights through proper licensing or fair use
- Integrate Content into learning experience design
- Monitor Performance and gather feedback
- Update and Refresh content regularly
Best Practices
- Always Attribute: Proper crediting of original creators
- Context is Key: Frame external content within learning objectives
- Quality Over Quantity: Curate carefully rather than overwhelming
- Student Agency: Allow learners to discover and recommend content
- Continuous Improvement: Regular review and enhancement process
This philosophy ensures our learners receive the richest, most diverse, and most effective learning experience possible while optimizing our resource allocation and maintaining the highest quality standards.