Start here: How do you want learners to engage?

Before you choose a format, ask yourself one key question: How do I want learners to engage with my content?

This guide breaks down the difference between active and passive learning—the two main content types on Edovo—and explains how each one shapes the way learners engage. You’ll also find an overview of what kinds of content you can upload, so you can pick the format that best supports your goals and delivers the right experience for your audience.

Not sure whether your content should be an active experience like a course or a passive experience like a podcast? You’re not alone. One of the biggest questions we get from content partners is: "How do I know which format to choose?"

The answer starts here: Ask yourself how you want learners to engage.

Active vs. passive learning: what’s the difference?

Active learning means learners don’t just watch or read—they do. They engage with your content by answering questions, completing open response prompts, selecting multiple choice or true/false options, or taking assessments. Think of it like a five-course meal: structured, intentional, and designed to deepen understanding while giving both the learner and the system a way to track progress and growth.

Passive learning, on the other hand, is all about listening, watching, or reading—no response required. It’s about taking in information without having to do anything with it. Think of it like à la carte content: learners can explore what interests them, when they’re ready, but they won’t be prompted to reflect, answer questions, or show what they’ve learned.

Edovo's active learning formats (a.k.a. interactive content)

All interactive content on Edovo built inside the Edovo Editor falls into one of three formats:

1. Courses: Structured learning experiences with multimedia content, a robust curriculum, clear objectives, multiple lessons, graded assessments, and tracked progress. Learners earn certificates, and courses appear on their transcript.
   
   

2. Interactive Resources: Short-form, flexible content like a quick quiz after a video or an open-ended prompt after a newsletter. There’s no formal curriculum or certificate, but learners still engage with the material—and it shows up on their transcript.
   
   

3. Surveys: Tools for gathering learner feedback, reflections, or preferences. These aren’t instructional, but they’re valuable for insight and improvement. They appear on the transcript, but no certificate is awarded.
   
   

(Psst: active learning content can be organized into series. Click here to learn how.)

Upload location: Built directly in the Edovo Editor

Pro tip: If your content is just for reading, watching, or listening—without requiring a learner response—it’s a passive learning experience.

Edovo's passive learning formats (a.k.a. stand-alone resources)

Stand-alone resources offer enriching content that doesn’t require learners to respond, interact, or demonstrate knowledge. These formats are best for inspiration, exploration, or storytelling.

1. eBooks: Digital books, articles, or magazines that learners can read at their own pace. These can include nonfiction, fiction, memoirs, poetry, or informational texts. 

2. Audiobooks: Long-form audio content—often read by the author or narrator—designed for immersive, story-driven learning or inspiration. Ideal for learners who prefer listening over reading.

3. Podcasts: Audio-based content such as interviews, storytelling series, or spoken-word reflections. Great for learners who prefer auditory learning.

4. Sermons: Recorded or transcribed messages of faith, inspiration, or reflection. Common in spiritual and religious programs.

5. Newsletters: One-time or recurring written content focused on updates, community messages, or seasonal topics.

6. Educational Videos: Short documentaries or instructional content that delivers insight without requiring interaction.

These formats let you see if someone started or finished the content, but they don’t include scores or assessments. They’re perfect when your goal is to share knowledge, spark interest, or offer inspiration—without needing learners to demonstrate what they’ve learned.

(Psst: passive learning content can be organized into series. Click here to learn how.)

Upload location: Edovo-provided spreadsheet

Pro tip: If your content is a mix of multimedia files —and requires a Learner’s response—it’s an active learning experience.

Real-world examples: match your goal to the format

Goal: Collect personal responses → Interactive Resource
Goal: Teach a skill or guide progress → Course
Goal: Collect feedback or perspectives → Survey
Goal: Share a book, film, podcast, audiobook, with no response required → Stand-Alone Resource

Final word: Start with your goal

Whether your content is a podcast, a newsletter, or a robust digital curriculum, the format you choose should support how you want learners to engage with your content.

If your goal is to teach, prompt reflection, or gather feedback, go with an active learning format built in the Edovo Editor. 

If your goal is to inform, inspire, or simply share a story—with no interaction required— a passive format uploaded through an Edovo-provided spreadsheet is the way to go.

And no matter the path, we’re here to help you make it great.