What is Edovo’s definition of passive learning content (aka stand-alone videos, audios, and documents)?
You’ve got a podcast. A newsletter. Maybe a powerful instructional film. Amazing. But now what?
Are you wondering: If my content doesn’t include questions or assessments, does it still belong on Edovo?
The short answer? Yes.
Now, let’s dig a little deeper. Edovo serves nearly one million incarcerated Learners—and with that comes nearly one million ways of learning. Some Learners prefer to read, watch, or listen quietly and take in information on their own time. Others need a more hands-on approach—something that asks them to reflect, respond, or apply what they’ve learned.
That’s why Edovo supports both passive and active learning formats.
This article focuses on passive learning—resources that inform, inspire, or instruct without asking for interaction. If your content doesn’t include a robust curriculum, graded assessments, open response prompts, or interactive questions, chances are it belongs right here.
Your Cheat Sheet for This Article
Passive learning = content learners absorb without needing to demonstrate their learning.
Passive resources include video, audio, and documents—delivered as a single, self-contained file.
They’re easy to access, low-barrier, and ideal for busy or high-turnover environments.
Passive content is not tracked for progress, doesn’t include questions, and does not result in a certificate.
Passive content does appear on a learner’s transcript.
Active learning content can be organized into series. Click here to learn how.
What Am I Uploading, Anyway?
Each type of content on our platform serves a different purpose and follows a different process. Maybe what you’ve created is best served as a course—a five-star tasting menu designed to guide learners step-by-step. Or maybe it’s an interactive resource—a build-your-own trail mix moment that invites engagement without a full curriculum. Maybe it’s a survey—the “How was your meal?” card that helps you listen and improve.
But if your content doesn’t include interactive questions, prompts, or assessments—it likely belongs in a different category altogether.
Passive content is the sealed, shelf-stable snack bar. It doesn’t need utensils or interaction. It’s informative, portable, and ready when the learner is. That doesn’t make it any less valuable—in fact, sometimes it’s exactly the right choice for delivering insight, support, or storytelling without adding friction.
So before you decide where your resource fits, let’s look at what passive learning really is—and why it might be the perfect format for what you’re serving up.
Item Type: Stand-Alone Resources
Definition:
A stand-alone resource is a self-contained video, audio file, or document that delivers meaningful, on-demand information—no questions, no quizzes, no interactive steps required. It’s like grabbing a slice of pizza at a buffet: ready to go, satisfying, and self-contained.
In Edovo terms, that slice might be a podcast episode, a short how-to video, or a text-based guide. You’re not sitting down for a five-course meal—you’re grabbing what you need and moving on. This kind of learning respects time, attention, and the reality of the correctional environment, where a course isn’t always the way a person wants or needs to learn.
Think: guided learning on cruise control—still valuable, still engaging, just without the pit stops.
What a Stand-Alone Resource Is
A single-serving piece of content is just what it sounds like: one cohesive file that delivers value on its own—no assembly required. It’s a one-and-done experience that a learner can watch, listen to, or read at their own pace. Here’s what that might look like on Edovo:
Educational Video (MP4)
Perfect for delivering direct instruction, demonstrations, or storytelling through visuals and narration.
Examples:
A mini-documentary explaining the justice system or the history of voting rights
A pre-recorded seminar or TED-style talk from a subject matter expert
A wellness video with a guided stretching routine or breathing exercise
A personal story about addiction recovery, narrated by someone with lived experience
A faith-based explainer on spiritual practices across cultures
A professional development talk on workplace readiness or interviewing skills
Audio File (MP3)
Ideal when the content can be absorbed by listening alone—whether reflective, instructional, or motivational.
Examples:
A podcast episode featuring interviews with formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs
A guided meditation focused on stress reduction or self-compassion
A motivational message encouraging resilience and perseverance
A recorded sermon, spiritual reflection, or religious teaching series
An audiobook on basic financial principles like budgeting or credit
Document (PDF)
Best for printed or screen-read materials that offer guidance, inspiration, or resources.
Examples:
A digital newsletter or zine covering reentry tips, upcoming events, or success stories
A self-guided devotional or daily reflection booklet
A how-to handout on practical topics like applying for housing, expunging a record, or writing a resume
A list of local or national reentry resources, with contact information and action steps
A brief career planning worksheet or job interest inventory (as long as no responses are required)
A one-pager explaining tenants' rights or workplace safety
An info sheet comparing different educational pathways (GED, trade school, college)
Ebook (PDF)
Ideal for long-form reading experiences like book-length works or curriculum companions.
Examples:
A nonfiction book exploring the psychology of change or forgiveness
A spiritual text or prayerbook
A collection of essays or creative writing by incarcerated authors
A reentry guidebook with chapters learners can browse at their own pace
A biography of a justice-impacted person’s life experiences
Click here to learn more about stand-alone learning resources
Upload Method
What It’s Not
A course: Courses come with learning objectives, lessons, quizzes, and a clear educational journey—like a full entrée with sides, drinks, and dessert. Stand-alone resources are more like a single, flavorful bite.
An interactive resource: Those invite learners to respond through open-ended questions or simple quizzes. Think of interactive resources like a choose-your-own-adventure dish—some assembly (and reflection) required.
A survey: Surveys ask learners for their thoughts without teaching content. They’re more like a feedback card than a meal.
Pure entertainment: If it's just there to entertain—like a music video, movie, or comedy reel—it’s not a stand-alone resource. Edovo is about education with purpose, not just passing time.
Pro Tip: These resources are easy to digest—but that doesn’t make them lightweights. When well-designed, stand-alone resources deliver powerful perspectives in a compact format. Think of them as the mac-and-cheese of the buffet: comforting, no-frills, and exactly what someone needs in that moment.
Wrapping Up: Is Passive Learning the Right Fit?
We started with a common question: If my content doesn’t include questions or assessments, does it still belong on Edovo?
Now you know—yes, absolutely.
Passive learning content plays a vital role in Edovo’s learning ecosystem. It’s informative, flexible, and accessible—perfect for sharing insights, stories, and skills without requiring interaction.
Whether you’ve created a podcast, educational video, newsletter, or ebook, stand-alone resources offer learners meaningful content they can access anytime, on their terms.
Not every moment needs a quiz. Sometimes, a powerful story or practical guide is exactly the right tool for learning.
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