Resource 8: Tools and Platforms to Develop Digital Content
Creating Your Own Multimedia for Flipped and Virtual Classrooms — A Practical Guide for Tanzanian Teachers
Why multimedia matters
Short videos, quizzes and interactive resources help students learn at their own pace and prepare before class. In a flipped classroom, students explore basics before the lesson so class time can be used for discussion, problem-solving and projects. You don’t need expensive gear or fast internet to begin.
Quick inspiration
Even a 3–5 minute voice note or a short phone video can boost student preparation and confidence — and can be shared offline via USB, school computers or WhatsApp.
Step 1 — Create short instructional videos
Keep videos focused (5–10 minutes), use clear audio and simple visuals, and end with a short task or question for students to complete before class.
Simple recording tools
| Tool | What it does | Why it’s good for Tanzanian classrooms | Tutorial (YouTube reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loom | Record screen, voice and webcam | Very easy to use for short explanations and feedback | Loom Beginner Tutorial — https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=8R3N1XKpJv8 |
| Screencast-O-Matic / ScreenPal | Record lessons and basic editing | Friendly for beginners; works on low-speed connections | ScreenPal Quick Start — https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=VqY8H7UBp3E |
| OBS Studio | Free, professional screen recorder | High-quality local recordings; no upload needed | OBS Studio Basics — https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=WmnbRfyxjxU |
Recording tips
- Use your phone or laptop camera; good lighting and clear audio matter more than fancy equipment.
- Record in a quiet place and keep clips short (5–10 minutes).
- End with a clear task: “Pause and try this example, then bring your answer to class.”
- If internet is limited, share video files offline (USB, school computer, or play in class).
Step 2 — Make learning interactive
Pair videos with simple tools that check understanding and keep students active.
| Tool | Function | How it helps flipped learning | Tutorial (YouTube reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| H5P | Create interactive videos and activities | Embed questions inside videos so watching becomes active | H5P Tutorial — https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=aYZRRyukuIw |
| Google Forms | Quizzes and quick checks | Auto-grades quizzes and collects readiness data | Google Forms for Teachers — https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=uqX3N7D2G1c |
| Kahoot! | Game-based quizzes | Fun review in class or remotely to boost participation | Kahoot Teacher Guide — https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=QPHM5j9ZMIw |
| Padlet | Collaborative online board | Students post notes, photos or brief reflections for class discussion | Padlet for Educators — https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=UkBnwPqaIjA |
Low-tech alternatives
If connectivity is unreliable, use WhatsApp voice notes for short checks, printed quizzes, or a paper-based exit ticket. The key is activity, not the platform.
Step 3 — Combine into the flipped cycle
| Stage | Example activity | Tool / Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Before Class | Watch a 5-minute explainer and complete a 2-question quiz | Loom + Google Forms (or offline PDF + paper quiz) |
| During Class | Group problem-solving and teacher coaching | H5P activity in class or printed worksheet + teacher facilitation |
| After Class | Reflection post and optional extension task | Padlet or WhatsApp group; printed follow-up for low-tech contexts |
Where to find free content you can adapt
- OER Commons — https://www.oercommons.org
- Khan Academy — https://www.khanacademy.org
- PhET Simulations — https://phet.colorado.edu
Quick starter plan (doable in your first week)
- Pick one tool (Loom or Google Forms).
- Create one short video or a 3-question pre-class quiz.
- Share it via your LMS, WhatsApp group, or play it in class.
- Collect simple feedback from students and adapt next time.
Final tips
- Reuse and adapt existing OER rather than building everything from scratch.
- Focus on clarity and purpose — short & useful beats polished & long.
- Provide low-tech backups (printables, audio via WhatsApp) so every learner can participate.
- Ask students for quick feedback: what helped them learn most?
Key takeaway
Start small: one short video and one simple interactive activity. With free, easy tools you can build an accessible multimedia library that makes flipped learning practical — even with modest technology and limited connectivity.