Content is the link between student learning objectives, which state what the student will be able to accomplish after instruction, and assessment, which allows students to show that they met the objectives.

Content can come in many forms, including textbooks, journal articles, lectures, and documentaries. Virtual labs, virtual field trips, and digital simulations are all forms of active learning that could be considered content as well. It is beneficial for students to vary the types of content in a course.

When deciding on content for a course, consider how much content already exists and how much you plan to create. Most courses have a mix of existing and unique content, such as classes that use both instructor-created lectures and published readings. When initially planning content, consider what already exists on the topic, what the instructor would like to author, and how each piece will help students succeed on assessments.