Learn the difference between adding a contribution and creating a remix, when each option makes sense, and how remix trees help teachers understand connected lesson versions.
When you find a lesson you want to build on, CARL gives you two collaboration options. The key question is whether you want to add something to the original lesson or create your own editable version.
Use Create Remix when you want your own editable version. Use Add Contribution when you want to add another resource or component to the lesson.
| Option | What it does | Use it when... |
|---|---|---|
| Add Contribution | Adds an extra component or resource to a lesson without changing the original lesson plan. | You want to share a helpful add-on, such as an exit ticket, worksheet, activity, or support resource. |
| Create Remix | Creates your own editable version of the lesson. | You want to adapt the actual lesson plan, revise the structure, change the grade level, or customize it for your class. |
| Remix Tree | Shows how a lesson connects to its original and other remixed versions. | You want to understand where a lesson came from or how other teachers have adapted it. |
A contribution lets you add a useful component or resource to a lesson without rewriting the lesson itself. Contributions appear separately so other teachers can browse the added materials.
- You want to add a worksheet, exit ticket, activity, support resource, or optional extension.
- You are not trying to change the lesson sequence, timing, instructions, or core plan.
- You want other teachers viewing the lesson to see your added material as an option.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the lesson you want to contribute to. |
| 2 | Click Remix in the lesson actions area. |
| 3 | Choose Add Contribution. |
| 4 | Browse or filter for the component or resource you want to add. |
| 5 | Preview the material to make sure it fits the lesson. |
| 6 | Publish the contribution. |
A remix creates your own editable version of a lesson. Use this when you want to adapt the lesson plan itself for your class, rather than adding a separate material to the original.
- change the lesson structure, sequence, or timing,
- adapt the lesson for a different class, grade, or context,
- revise activities, instructions, examples, or supports,
- make your own version without changing the original,
- continue editing when the original lesson is protected.
Your remix opens as an editable draft that you can adapt for your class.
- Find a lesson in the library or open a lesson details page.
- Click Remix.
- Choose Create Remix.
- Edit your new draft version.
- Review the changes and save your work.
- Publish your remix when it is ready to share.
A remix tree shows how lesson versions are connected. It helps teachers see the original lesson, remixed versions, and how ideas have branched over time.
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Original lesson | The lesson that another teacher started from. |
| Remix | A separate editable version based on another lesson. |
| Remix tree | A visual or structured way to show related lesson versions. |
| Protected lesson | A lesson that cannot be directly changed because another teacher has saved or used it. In that case, create a remix instead. |
CARL’s collaboration tools will continue to grow. These features are not the core remix workflow yet, but they help show where collaboration is heading.
Quick Notes are planned as small teacher tips attached to specific parts of a lesson. For example, a teacher could share that a section needed five extra minutes, worked better with manipulatives, or needed a simpler prompt.
Co-constructive proposals are planned as more substantial suggestions for improving someone else’s lesson. Unlike a remix, a proposal would ask the original author to review and decide whether to incorporate the change.
| If you want to... | Use |
|---|---|
| Add an extra component or resource to a lesson | Add Contribution |
| Share an optional add-on with other teachers | Add Contribution |
| Adapt the lesson plan for your own class | Create Remix |
| Change the structure, timing, instructions, or activities | Create Remix |
| Keep the original lesson unchanged | Create Remix or Add Contribution, depending on the task. |
| Understand how versions are connected | Remix Tree |
| Edit when the original is protected | Create Remix |