Skip to main content
Kolibri’s content library system enables access to a vast collection of educational resources curated by content providers worldwide. Content is organized into channels that can be imported, browsed, and assigned to learners through Kolibri’s plugin ecosystem.

​
Overview

The Kolibri content library is a flexible, offline-first system for delivering educational resources. Content is created and curated in Kolibri Studio, packaged into channels, and imported to Kolibri devices for learner access. Key Concepts:
  • Content channels as distribution units
  • Kolibri Studio as content authoring platform
  • Offline-optimized resource formats
  • Hierarchical content organization
  • Metadata-rich searchable resources
  • Multi-language content support
Kolibri can function entirely offline once content is imported. Internet connectivity is only needed for importing or updating content.

​
Content Channels

Channels are self-contained collections of educational resources created by content providers and imported into Kolibri.

​
What is a Content Channel?

A channel is:
  • A curated collection of learning resources
  • Organized hierarchically into topics and subtopics
  • Created and published by content providers
  • Distributed as a portable database
  • Importable to any Kolibri device

​
Channel Structure

1

Channel Root

Top level contains:
  • Channel name and description
  • Channel metadata (language, version, provider)
  • Thumbnail image
  • Total resource count and size
2

Topics

Organizational containers:
  • Subject areas (Math, Science, Language, etc.)
  • Grade levels or age groups
  • Curriculum units
  • Nested subtopics for hierarchy
3

Resources

Actual learning content:
  • Videos, exercises, documents, apps
  • Resource metadata and descriptions
  • Learning activity classification
  • Duration and difficulty information

​
Channel Metadata

Each channel includes rich metadata:
  • Title: Channel name
  • Description: Overview of channel content
  • Tagline: Brief one-line summary
  • Thumbnail: Visual representation
  • Language: Primary language of content
  • Version Number: Channel version (incremented with updates)
  • Published Date: When version was released
  • Last Updated: Most recent modification
  • Source ID: Unique channel identifier
  • Total Resources: Number of content items
  • Resource Count by Type: Videos, exercises, etc.
  • Total Size: Storage space required
  • Languages Available: All languages in channel
  • Grade Levels: Applicable age/grade ranges
  • Author: Content creator or organization
  • Provider Website: Link to source
  • License: Content licensing terms
  • Copyright Holder: Rights information

​
Kolibri Studio

Kolibri Studio is the web-based platform where channels are created, curated, and published.

​
Studio Overview

Kolibri Studio (https://studio.learningequality.org) provides:
  • Web interface for content creation
  • Resource upload and hosting
  • Content organization and curation
  • Metadata editing and tagging
  • Channel publishing workflow
  • Version control and updates

​
Content Creation in Studio

1

Create Channel

Content providers start by:
  • Creating new channel in Studio
  • Setting channel metadata
  • Choosing primary language
  • Configuring channel settings
2

Add Content

Build channel content:
  • Upload original resources
  • Import from other channels
  • Organize into topic structure
  • Add exercises and assessments
3

Edit Metadata

Enhance discoverability:
  • Add titles and descriptions
  • Tag with learning activity types
  • Set grade levels and subjects
  • Specify languages
  • Add accessibility features
4

Publish Channel

Make available to Kolibri:
  • Review and finalize content
  • Publish channel version
  • Generate channel token
  • Distribute token to Kolibri admins

​
Studio Features

Content Types Supported
  • Video files (MP4, WebM)
  • Documents (PDF, ePub)
  • HTML5 applications
  • Exercises with question banks
  • Audio files
  • Interactive H5P content
  • Slideshows and presentations
Curation Tools
  • Drag-and-drop organization
  • Copy content between channels
  • Bulk operations
  • Content filtering and search
  • Prerequisite relationships
  • Related content linking
Quality Control
  • Content validation
  • Broken link detection
  • File format verification
  • Metadata completeness checks
  • Preview before publishing
Content providers can create private channels for internal use or public channels available to all Kolibri users.

​
Available Content Channels

Kolibri provides access to numerous high-quality educational content channels.

​
Major Content Providers

Khan Academy

Comprehensive math and science content:
  • Thousands of instructional videos
  • Practice exercises with mastery tracking
  • Aligned to common curricula
  • Multiple languages available

CK-12 Foundation

STEM textbooks and materials:
  • Interactive textbooks
  • Simulations and activities
  • Standards-aligned content
  • Free and openly licensed

African Storybook

Early literacy resources:
  • Stories in African languages
  • Multiple reading levels
  • Audio narration
  • Culturally relevant content

Phet Interactive Simulations

Science and math simulations:
  • Interactive STEM activities
  • Inquiry-based learning
  • Research-backed design
  • Multiple languages

Biblioteca Digital de Lectura

Spanish reading library:
  • Spanish language books
  • Diverse reading levels
  • Literary and informational texts
  • Growing collection

Pratham Books

Stories for young learners:
  • Open-licensed storybooks
  • Multiple Indian languages
  • Age-appropriate content
  • Reading level progression

​
Specialized Content

Vocational Training
  • Technical skills content
  • Job preparation materials
  • Industry certifications
  • Practical demonstrations
Health Education
  • Public health information
  • Hygiene and wellness
  • Disease prevention
  • Nutrition education
Teacher Professional Development
  • Pedagogy resources
  • Classroom management
  • Subject-specific teaching guides
  • Assessment strategies
Life Skills
  • Financial literacy
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Communication skills
  • Critical thinking
New channels are regularly added to Kolibri Studio. Visit the public channel directory to discover available content.

​
Resource Types and Formats

Kolibri supports diverse content types optimized for offline access.

​
Content Type Categories

Video Resources
  • MP4 format (H.264 codec)
  • Multiple quality levels
  • Subtitle/caption support
  • Chapter markers
  • Thumbnail previews
Viewing Features
  • Playback controls (play, pause, seek)
  • Speed adjustment
  • Fullscreen mode
  • Progress tracking
  • Resume from last position

​
Learning Activity Classification

Resources are tagged by learning activity type:
  • Watch: Videos and visual demonstrations
  • Read: Text-based materials and documents
  • Practice: Exercises and assessments
  • Create: Projects and creative activities
  • Reflect: Discussion prompts and journaling
  • Listen: Audio content
  • Explore: Interactive simulations and experiments
Learning activity tags help learners and coaches filter and find appropriate content types for specific learning goals.

​
Content Organization

Content within channels is organized hierarchically for easy navigation and discovery.

​
Topic Hierarchy

Structure Levels
1

Channel Root

Top-level organization:
  • Often by subject area
  • Or by grade level
  • Or by curriculum unit
2

Primary Topics

Major divisions:
  • Subjects (Math, Science, Language)
  • Grades (Grade 1, Grade 2, etc.)
  • Units (Introduction, Advanced, etc.)
3

Subtopics

Detailed organization:
  • Chapters or modules
  • Specific skills or concepts
  • Lesson groupings
  • Can nest multiple levels deep
4

Resources

Leaf nodes:
  • Individual learning resources
  • Videos, exercises, documents
  • Discrete learning objects
Breadcrumb Navigation
  • Shows current location in hierarchy
  • Click to navigate to parent topics
  • Helps learners maintain context
Topic Tree Browsing
  • Expand/collapse topics
  • See resource counts per topic
  • Visual hierarchy representation
Related Content
  • Recommendations based on current resource
  • Next/previous in topic sequence
  • Prerequisite relationships
  • Similar resources

​
Content Metadata

Rich metadata enables powerful search and filtering capabilities.

​
Resource Metadata Fields

  • Title: Resource name
  • Description: Detailed explanation
  • Author: Creator or provider
  • License: Usage terms (CC-BY, CC-BY-SA, etc.)
  • Learning Activity: Watch, practice, read, etc.
  • Grade Level: Appropriate ages/grades
  • Subject: Topic area or discipline
  • Duration: Estimated completion time
  • Difficulty: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
  • Resource Type: Video, exercise, document, etc.
  • File Size: Storage requirement
  • Format: File format details
  • Language: Content language(s)
  • Accessibility: Features for different abilities
  • Standards: Aligned educational standards
  • Competencies: Skills addressed
  • Prerequisites: Required prior knowledge
  • Learning Objectives: Goals and outcomes

​
Tags and Categories

Content can be tagged with:
  • Subject keywords
  • Skill areas
  • Common Core standards
  • National curriculum alignments
  • Accessibility features
  • Language proficiency levels

​
Multi-Language Support

Kolibri’s content system supports multilingual resources and interfaces.

​
Language Features

Content Languages
  • Resources available in multiple languages
  • Language-specific channels
  • Translated versions of popular content
  • Subtitle and caption support
Interface Languages
  • Kolibri interface available in 100+ languages
  • Metadata displayed in user’s language
  • Right-to-left (RTL) language support
  • Localized number and date formats
Filtering by Language
  • Search within specific language
  • Filter channels by language
  • Multilingual content indicators
For multilingual deployments, import channels in multiple languages to serve diverse learner populations.

​
Content Licensing

Kolibri respects content licensing and enables proper attribution.

​
License Types

Common licenses in Kolibri content: Creative Commons Licenses
  • CC-BY: Attribution required
  • CC-BY-SA: Attribution + ShareAlike
  • CC-BY-NC: Attribution + Non-commercial
  • CC-BY-ND: Attribution + No derivatives
  • CC0: Public domain
Other Licenses
  • All Rights Reserved (with permission)
  • Public Domain
  • Custom open licenses
  • Educational use licenses

​
Attribution

Kolibri displays:
  • License type for each resource
  • Copyright holder information
  • Original source attribution
  • Links to license terms
All content in public Kolibri channels respects licensing terms. Private channels may include proprietary content for internal use.

​
Content Quality and Curation

Kolibri Studio and the content ecosystem emphasize quality and pedagogical soundness.

​
Quality Standards

Content Review
  • Accuracy verification
  • Age-appropriateness
  • Educational value
  • Technical quality (video/audio)
  • Accessibility considerations
Curation Process
  • Expert review panels
  • Teacher and learner feedback
  • Continuous improvement
  • Regular content updates
Quality Indicators
  • Completion rates
  • Learner engagement
  • Coach recommendations
  • Assessment performance

​
Content Guidelines

Kolibri content providers follow guidelines for:
  • Inclusive and diverse representation
  • Culturally appropriate materials
  • Accurate and current information
  • Clear learning objectives
  • Engaging pedagogical design

​
Creating Custom Channels

Organizations can create custom channels tailored to their needs.

​
Custom Channel Workflow

1

Plan Channel

Design your content:
  • Define learning objectives
  • Identify target audience
  • Outline topic structure
  • Gather source materials
2

Create Studio Account

Set up in Kolibri Studio:
  • Register for free account
  • Verify email
  • Review documentation
  • Explore example channels
3

Build Channel

Create and organize:
  • Upload or import content
  • Create topic hierarchy
  • Add metadata
  • Build exercises
  • Preview and test
4

Publish and Distribute

Make available:
  • Publish channel version
  • Generate channel token
  • Import to Kolibri devices
  • Iterate based on feedback

​
Custom Channel Use Cases

School Curriculum

Align exactly to local curriculum with curated and original content.

Training Programs

Deliver standardized training across locations with custom materials.

Supplementary Materials

Add local examples, case studies, or culturally relevant content.

Assessment Libraries

Create custom exercise banks for specific learning outcomes.
Custom channels can remix content from public channels with original materials to create perfectly tailored learning resources.

​
Content Updates and Versioning

Channels evolve over time with updates and improvements.

​
Version Management

Channel Versions
  • Each publish creates new version
  • Version number increments
  • Previous versions remain available
  • Devices can update to latest
Update Workflow
  1. Content provider updates channel in Studio
  2. New version published
  3. Kolibri devices notified of update
  4. Admins review changes
  5. Import update to device
  6. Learners see new/updated content
Update Strategies
  • Minor updates: Bug fixes, small additions
  • Major updates: Significant content changes
  • Breaking changes: Structural reorganization
Channel updates preserve learner progress. However, if resources are removed, associated progress may be archived.

​
Content Discovery and Search

Kolibri provides powerful search and discovery tools.

​
Search Capabilities

Full-Text Search
  • Search across all channel content
  • Title and description matching
  • Metadata field searching
  • Ranking by relevance
Search Filters
  • Filter by channel
  • Filter by learning activity
  • Filter by grade level
  • Filter by language
  • Combine multiple filters
Advanced Search
  • Boolean operators
  • Phrase searching
  • Wildcard support
  • Category browsing

​
Recommendations

Kolibri suggests content based on:
  • Current viewing context
  • Progress and history
  • Similar resources
  • Coach assignments
  • Curriculum alignment

Device Management

Import and manage content channels on devices

Learn Plugin

How learners browse and access content

Coach Plugin

Using content in lessons and quizzes

Kolibri Studio

Create and publish custom content channels

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love

Get started for freeTalk to us