Content Types
The content that you see on PBS LearningMedia is a mix of various types of media-based digital learning objects, including video clips, audio clips, interactives, images, and documents, all selected specifically because of their alignment to PreK-12 core curriculum concepts. All content is contributed by public broadcasting stations, public media producers, and a wide range of partners across the public media landscape.
The list below describes the different types of content you'll come across as you browse PBS LearningMedia.
Resource
A Resource is a contextualized Asset for a published page and is the element that surfaces in your browser. There are four types of Resources:
- Primary Asset
- Media Gallery
- Lesson Plan
- Interactive Lesson Plan
Resources can have Caution Flags assigned to them. This means the Resource contains content that may be sensitive for certain audiences. The only way students can access content with Caution Flags is through their teacher who shares a flagged Resource through a Lesson Builder assignment. It is recommended that teachers review flagged content and deem it acceptable before sharing with students. Learn more about the Lesson Builder
See where Caution Flags display on a Resource
Collection
A Collection is a group of Resources with additional metadata and associated graphics. Collections are generally used to present a thematically connected group of Resources.
Video
One of five types of media files used in LearningMedia. Others include:
- Audio
- Document
- Image
- Interactive
A raw media file converts into an asset.
Interactive Lesson
An Interactive Lesson is a type of Resource that resides on the GBH platform and is written for the user, either a student (for an independent lesson) or a teacher (for professional development). It can include such features as interactive activities, online quizzes, online note-taking, online glossary terms, and online submission of work. Interactive Lessons open in a window outside of the PBS LearningMedia website. See an example of an Interactive Lesson
Interactive
An Interactive is multimedia resource with which students can interact and can be in the form of a game or activity. See an example of an Interactive
Lesson Plan
A Lesson Plan is a collection of Assets designed to support a specific educational objective and demonstrate good practice for teaching a given topic. They are written for teachers and follow a standard format. More traditional lessons plans can be presented as primary or supplemental assets (in PDF format) with a learning-object resource.
Lesson Plans do not have a Student view.
Media Gallery
A Media Gallery is type of Resource that can include multiple videos, audios, or images presented in a convenient viewer, with associated supporting assets.
Audio
One of five types of media files used in LearningMedia. Others include:
- Document
- Image
- Interactive
- Video
A raw media file converts into an asset.
Image
One of five types of media files used in LearningMedia. Others include:
- Audio
- Document
- Interactive
- Video
A raw media file converts into an asset.
Document
One of five types of media files used in LearningMedia. Others include:
- Audio
- Image
- Interactive
- Video
A raw media file converts into an asset.
Webpage
A Webpage is a Resource that contains HTML-based content.