Structuring Course Content with AI Assistance

Learn the critical step of showing AI your exact content format and structure before creation

25 min
Intermediate
75% completion rate
50% popularity
course-creation
ai-context
templates
content-structure
education

Module 2: Providing Structure Context to AI

Overview

The secret to getting AI to create content that perfectly matches your knowledge hub's style isn't just good prompts—it's showing concrete examples. This critical module reveals how to use existing content as templates, ensuring Claude creates modules and learning paths that seamlessly fit your platform's structure and voice.

What You'll Learn

  • Converting web pages to AI-readable markdown using r.jina.ai/
  • Selecting the most effective example content
  • Presenting structure examples to maximize AI understanding
  • Ensuring format consistency across all generated content
  • Common mistakes when providing examples and how to avoid them

Prerequisites

  • Completed Module 1 (Research)
  • Access to at least 2-3 existing modules or learning paths
  • Basic understanding of markdown format
  • 25 minutes of hands-on practice

Why Structure Examples Matter

After researching a topic, many people jump straight to content creation and wonder why the AI's output doesn't match their platform's style. The missing link? AI needs to see what you want.

Think of it like hiring a new writer:

  • ❌ "Write in our style" (vague)
  • ✅ "Here are three articles we've published—match this format" (clear)

The Transformation

Without examples: AI creates generic educational content With examples: AI creates content that looks native to your platform

This single step transforms AI from a generic content creator to a specialized member of your content team.


Using r.jina.ai/ for Content Conversion

What is r.jina.ai/?

It's a simple tool that converts any webpage into clean, markdown-formatted text—perfect for feeding into AI systems.

How to Use It

  1. Find your example content URL

    https://ai-labs-knowledge-hub.netlify.app/module/git-fundamentals
    
  2. Prepend r.jina.ai/

    https://r.jina.ai/ai-labs-knowledge-hub.netlify.app/module/git-fundamentals
    
  3. Load the URL

    • Opens a clean markdown version
    • No navigation, ads, or clutter
    • Pure content structure
  4. Copy the markdown

    • Select all (Ctrl/Cmd + A)
    • Copy (Ctrl/Cmd + C)
    • Ready to paste into Claude

What Makes a Good Example

Choose examples that showcase:

  • Your typical module structure
  • Standard formatting patterns
  • Exercise and checkpoint styles
  • Voice and tone
  • Technical depth level

Selecting Effective Examples

The 2-3 Rule

Provide 2-3 examples for best results:

  • Too few (1): AI might overgeneralize
  • Too many (4+): Confuses patterns
  • Just right (2-3): Clear pattern recognition

Example Selection Strategy

For Learning Paths, show:

  1. A complete learning path overview
  2. Module card structure
  3. Prerequisites format
  4. Time estimates style

For Modules, show:

  1. A beginner-friendly module
  2. A more technical module
  3. Different exercise types

Diversity Matters

Don't show 3 Git modules—show:

  • Git module (technical)
  • AI basics module (conceptual)
  • Project setup module (practical)

This demonstrates range while maintaining consistency.


Presenting Examples to AI

The Optimal Presentation Flow

After your research phase:

You: I need to create a module about [TOPIC]. First, let me show you 
exactly how our modules are structured. Here are two examples from 
our knowledge hub:

[PASTE EXAMPLE 1]

---

[PASTE EXAMPLE 2]

Please note the structure:
- How we open modules
- The overview section format
- How we present exercises
- The checkpoint task style
- Our voice and tone

Now, using this exact structure and style, create a module about [TOPIC].

Key Phrases That Help

Use these to ensure AI understands:

  • "Match this exact structure"
  • "Follow the same format as these examples"
  • "Note the progression style"
  • "Maintain this level of technical detail"
  • "Use similar exercise patterns"

What NOT to Do

❌ Dumping examples without context ❌ Saying "write like this" without specifics ❌ Providing examples from different platforms ❌ Mixing inconsistent formatting styles


Ensuring Format Consistency

The Structure Checklist

After providing examples, explicitly point out:

Please ensure the module includes:
- Opening overview with "What You'll Learn"
- Prerequisites section
- Main content with clear headers
- Hands-on exercises throughout
- Code blocks with proper formatting
- Checkpoint task with success criteria
- "Next Steps" section

Voice and Tone Markers

Highlight specific voice elements:

Notice in the examples:
- We use "you" not "students"
- Conversational but professional tone
- Encouraging language ("You've got this!")
- Clear, direct instructions
- Practical focus over theory

Technical Formatting

Point out formatting patterns:

Follow these formatting conventions:
- ### for main sections
- **Bold** for emphasis
- `backticks` for code/commands
- Bullet points for lists
- ✅ checkmarks for success criteria

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Pitfall 1: Information Overload

Problem: Providing too many examples or entire courses Solution: Select 2-3 most representative modules

Pitfall 2: Mixed Formats

Problem: Examples from different platforms/styles Solution: Only use examples from your platform

Pitfall 3: No Guidance

Problem: Pasting examples without explanation Solution: Always explain what to notice

Pitfall 4: Old Examples

Problem: Using outdated content formats Solution: Use your most recent, polished content

Pitfall 5: Assuming Understanding

Problem: Not verifying AI caught the patterns Solution: Ask AI to summarize what structure it will follow


Advanced Techniques

Structure Extraction

Ask AI to analyze patterns:

Before creating content, please analyze these examples and tell me:
1. What structure pattern do you see?
2. What voice/tone is used?
3. What makes these modules consistent?

Template Creation

Have AI create a template first:

Based on these examples, create a blank template for a module 
showing all the sections and formatting I should follow.

Variation Within Consistency

Show how to maintain structure while varying content:

Notice how both examples follow the same structure but:
- Example 1 is more technical
- Example 2 is more conceptual
Match the structure but adjust complexity for [AUDIENCE LEVEL]

Practical Exercise

Step-by-Step Example Provision

Let's practice the complete workflow:

  1. Choose Your Examples

    • Navigate to 2 different modules on your platform
    • Ensure they represent your best work
  2. Convert to Markdown

    Module 1 URL: [your-site.com/module-1]
    Jina URL: r.jina.ai/your-site.com/module-1
    
  3. Prepare Your Context

    I'm creating content about [Python Web Scraping].
    Here are two examples of our module format:
    
    EXAMPLE 1: Git Fundamentals Module
    [Paste markdown]
    
    EXAMPLE 2: API Integration Module
    [Paste markdown]
    
  4. Highlight Key Elements

    Please note:
    - Overview structure with learning objectives
    - Progressive exercise difficulty
    - Checkpoint task format
    - Our encouraging tone
    
  5. Make Your Request

    Using this exact format, create a module about Python Web Scraping
    for beginners that follows our structure and maintains our voice.
    

Quality Verification

The Comparison Check

After AI generates content:

Let's verify this matches our format:
- [ ] Opens with compelling overview?
- [ ] "What You'll Learn" section present?
- [ ] Prerequisites clearly stated?
- [ ] Exercises follow our pattern?
- [ ] Checkpoint task included?
- [ ] Voice matches examples?

The Side-by-Side Test

Open your generated content next to an example:

  • Structure should mirror exactly
  • Sections in same order
  • Similar paragraph lengths
  • Matching formatting style

Checkpoint Task

Your Mission

Successfully provide structure context to create a new module:

  1. Select Examples

    • Choose 2-3 existing modules/paths
    • Ensure variety in content type
    • Pick your best formatted content
  2. Convert to Markdown

    • Use r.jina.ai/ for each URL
    • Copy complete markdown
    • Verify formatting preserved
  3. Prepare Context Package

    • Clear introduction
    • Paste examples with labels
    • Highlight key structural elements
    • Specify what to match
  4. Generate Test Content

    • Request module on new topic
    • Verify structure matches
    • Check voice consistency
    • Ensure all sections present
  5. Document Process

    • Save your example template
    • Note what worked well
    • Create reusable prompt

Success Criteria

  • ✅ Successfully converted 2-3 examples to markdown
  • ✅ AI acknowledged structure patterns
  • ✅ Generated content matches platform style
  • ✅ All required sections included
  • ✅ Voice and tone consistent

Pro Tips

Create a Master Template

Save your best example provision prompt:

MASTER CONTEXT TEMPLATE:

I need to create [TYPE] about [TOPIC].

Here are examples from our knowledge hub showing our exact format:

[EXAMPLE 1 - Label]
[Paste]

[EXAMPLE 2 - Label]
[Paste]

Key structural elements to match:
- [List specific patterns]
- [Formatting requirements]
- [Voice characteristics]

Please create [SPECIFIC REQUEST] following this structure exactly.

The Pre-Flight Check

Before hitting enter:

  • Are examples representative?
  • Did I explain what to notice?
  • Is my request specific?
  • Did I mention maintaining voice?

Iteration Strategy

If first attempt isn't perfect:

This is good, but let's match our format more closely:
- The overview needs our standard "What You'll Learn" bullets
- Add more encouraging language like in the examples
- The checkpoint task should have success criteria checkmarks

Common Questions

"How many examples are really needed?"

2-3 is optimal. One might work for simple content, but two gives AI pattern recognition. More than three rarely improves results and might confuse.

"What if I don't have examples yet?"

Create one manually first, then use it as your template. Even a rough example is better than none.

"Can I mix examples from different sources?"

No—this confuses AI. Only use examples from your platform to ensure consistency.

"Should I update examples as my style evolves?"

Yes! Periodically refresh your example set to match your current best practices.


Next Steps

You've mastered the critical context provision step! Module 3 will show you how to architect learning paths using the patterns AI has now learned.

Preparation for Module 3

  1. Save your best example provision template
  2. Identify successful generated content
  3. Think about learning path structure

Remember: AI is only as good as the examples you provide. Quality in = Quality out!

Your Progress

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