Effective Online Course Development

By

Dr. Rena Palloffand

Dr. Keith Pratt

Elements of a High QualityCourse or Program

Community

Effective Virtual Student

Effective Online Facilitator

Effective Course Design

Effective Student Support

• Access to Technology• Open• Communicates effectively in text• Committed• Critical thinker• Reflective• Flexible

• Open• Honest• Responsive• Respectful• Flexible• Empowering• Present

• Fits with the curriculum• Learner focused• Accessible• Relevant content• Collaborative• Interactive• Small group size• Cohesive• Addresses learning styles and culture

• Technical support and training• Learner centered• Offers advising, library services, registration, book store, and records

What Online Learners Want! Clear instructions about course

expectations and for completing assignments

A high level of instructor interaction

A reasonable load in terms of the amount of reading, posting, and e-mails required

Reassurance that the idea they are posting are on track

What Online Learners Want!

Prompt, unambiguous feedback

An orientation to the technology in use

Technical support

Instructional Techniques to SupportOnline Learners

Use only technology that serves the learning objectives

Keep it simple

Web pages designed with one screen of text and graphics

Limited use of audio and video

Instructional Techniques to SupportOnline Learners

Judicious use of synchronous media

Use of introductions, profiles, and bios

Use of ice breaker activities at the beginning

Use of experience-based exercises and activities

Use of a social area in the course

Instructional Techniques to SupportOnline Learners

Post guidelines for communication, including netiquette

Model good communication

Follow up with non-participants

Post clear expectations about posting requirements, timelines, and assignments

Instructional Techniques to SupportOnline Learners

Ask open-ended questions to stimulate discussion and encourage reflection

Include case studies, small group work, jigsaw activities, simulations, and rotated facilitation to stimulate critical thinking

Vary course activities to address multiple learning styles, to keep things interesting, and to vary the approach to the topic

Include the Internet as a teaching tool and resource

Best Practices in Online Teaching

Understand who our students are

Understand how our students learn

Be aware of the issues that affect their lives and how they bring these to an online classroom

Understand what they need and provide support

Best Practices in Online Teaching

Assist them in becoming reflective practitioners

Find a way to involve them in course design and assessment

Respect their rights as learners and their role in the learning process

Develop courses and programs with an eye toward quality improvement

To Enable Best Practices!

The balance of power needs to change

The function of the content needs to change

The role of the instructor needs to change

The responsibility for learning needs to change

The purpose and process of evaluation needs to change