January 7, 2024
Guide: Creating & Assigning Activities
This guide will cover the various methods available for creating assignments, whether starting from scratch or utilizing existing content from the global library.

Educators on Speakable have a versatile set of tools for creating and assigning engaging activities tailored to their students’ needs. This guide will cover the various methods available for creating assignments, whether starting from scratch or utilizing existing content from the global library. By understanding these options, educators can choose the approach that best suits their teaching style and learning objectives.

For those looking to design unique activities, Speakable offers multiple pathways: creating activities from scratch for complete control, using the AI Builder for quick and efficient content generation, or uploading a list for instant activity creation. Each method provides a different level of customization, allowing educators to craft assignments that align perfectly with their curriculum goals.

Additionally, educators can take advantage of the Global Library, a rich repository of activities shared by other educators. Whether you choose to assign these activities directly or customize them to better fit your classroom needs, the Global Library offers a convenient way to access a wide range of ready-made content. This guide will walk you through all these processes, ensuring you have the knowledge to create effective and engaging assignments on Speakable.

Creating Custom Activities

There are three different methods to create a custom activity: from scratch, using the AI Builder, or by uploading a list. These methods can be used individually or combined to build an activity tailored to your specific needs.

1. Create an Activity from Scratch

If you prefer complete control over your activity, creating one from scratch is the ideal option. This method allows you to manually build each card, ensuring that every aspect of the activity meets your specific requirements.

How to Create Each Type of Card

To add new cards, click the + button next to the “Content” tab. This will display the different card options available.

Note: When working with Repeat Cards, Multiple Choice Cards, and Respond Cards, you can add media areas. These media areas can be used to include additional content such as images, audio, or videos to enhance the activity.

Building a Repeat Card

Open the Menu: Click the + button to add a card and select Repeat.

Understand the Interface:

After selecting the Repeat Card option, a new card labeled “Prompt Missing” will appear in the content list on the left, indicating the card is empty. On the right, you’ll see the Student Action section where the main interaction takes place.

Add Text for Students to Repeat:

In the Student Action area, type the text you want the student to repeat. If the text is unverified (meaning it hasn’t been verified on the platform before), you’ll have the option to verify it.

Configure Card Settings:

Customize the Repeat Card settings as needed to fit your activity.

Building a Multiple Choice (MC) Card

Open the Menu:

Click the + button to add a card and select Multiple Choice.

Understand the Interface:

A new card labeled “Prompt Missing” will appear in the content list on the left. On the right, you’ll see the Student Action section where the main interaction happens.

Add a Question or Prompt:

In the Student Action area, enter your question or prompt in the input box labeled Prompt / Question.

Add Options:

Below the prompt, you’ll find an Options area to add multiple choice answers. You can toggle between Single-Select and Multi-Check options and choose to shuffle the answers.

Configure Card Settings:

Adjust the settings for the Multiple Choice Card to suit your needs.

Building a Respond Card

Create a Respond Card:

Click the + button to add a card and select Respond.

Understand the Interface:

A new card labeled “Prompt Missing” will appear on the left. On the right, you’ll see the Student Action area where you’ll set up the Respond Card content.

Set Up the Prompt:

In the Student Action area, choose to set up your prompt as Text or Audio.

Configure Additional Features:

The Respond Card includes features like Auto-Grading for automatic assessment of student responses.

Choose Student Response Options:

Select whether students should respond through Speaking or Writing.

Configure Card Settings:

Adjust the settings for the Respond Card to suit your needs.

Adding a Media Page

Open the Content Tab:

To add a Media Page, open the menu to add a card and select Media Page.

Add Multimedia Content:

After adding a Media Page, you can start including various types of content like images, videos, and documents.

Add Media Areas to Other Page

To add media areas to other card types such as Respond, Repeat, or Multiple Choice, use the media area options available in the toolbar.

Adding Media to Pages

Using the Sidebar: Hover your cursor near either side of the activity card to reveal the Media button. Click it to display content type options such as Add Image, Add Video, Text Block, Add Podcast, or Recently Used media.

Using the Top Toolbar: Click the Add Media button at the top of the activity card to add or modify content.

Tips:

The sidebar media button is visible only when you are in the Builder and appears when your cursor is near it.

Using the top toolbar can be more convenient if you are already navigating the card and need to quickly add or modify content.

2. Create an Activity Using the AI Builder

Using AI to create activities is both quick and efficient.

Interact with Chatty:

Describe the activity you want to create, and Chatty will generate relevant content for you. Chatty can also create activities based on uploaded files such as PDFs.

Review and Add Cards:

Review the cards generated by Chatty. You can add these cards one by one or all at once if you are satisfied with the results.

Edit and Add More Content:

If you want to edit or add more content manually, click the Content button at the top of the left sidebar.

Notes:

Chatty may ask you about the student level, question difficulty, and other parameters based on your initial prompt.

Chatty may also request confirmation before creating the cards. Once you confirm, the cards will be created automatically.

3. Create an Activity by Uploading a List

You can also create an activity by uploading a list. Follow the instructions on the platform to upload your content and turn it into an interactive activity.

Creating Assignments from the Global Library

Educators can also create assignments using activities available in the global library.

Assign Directly Without Copying to Your Library

You can assign activities directly from the global library without copying them to your library.

Copy to Your Library, Then Assign

Alternatively, you can copy an activity to your library first, make any necessary edits, and then assign it to your students.

Configuring Your Assignment

Adjust the Assignment Name (Optional):

You can customize the assignment name to better reflect its content or purpose.

Adjust the Points Total for the Assignment (Optional):

Modify the total points available for the assignment based on the activity’s complexity or importance.

Choose Practice or Assessment Mode:

Select whether the assignment will be in Practice Mode (with immediate feedback) or Assessment Mode (feedback after submission).

Select the Desired Classrooms:

Choose which classrooms to assign the activity to.

Select Start and Due Dates (Optional):

Set start and due dates for the assignment to manage when students can access and complete it.

Share the Assignment:

Share the assignment with your students via a direct link or through your integrated LMS.

View Assignment Results:

After the assignment is completed, view the results to assess student performance and provide additional feedback as needed.