Designing Online Courses

Hope Jordan

Enhancing Online InstructionThrough A Community of Inquiry

Some Considerations for Increased Teaching, Social & Cognitive Presence Class Size – Manageable class size results in

increased student engagement with Instructor & more interaction with peers = Teaching & Social Presence

Add Interaction – Skype, Wimba, Phone, Meetings/Workshops = Teaching & Social

Collaborative Approach (eases frustrationmaximizes varied skills & knowledge)

Enhancing Online InstructionThrough A Community of Inquiry

Keep it Simple – Hidden Objects (assignment sheet), Dead Links, Too Much Interaction ? – Consider 4 Basic Elements – learner, faculty, content, environment

Go Beyond the Text – Utilize External Links, Audio, Video & Resources = Cognitive Presence

Connect Course Content to Practical Application = Teaching & Cognitive Presence

Enhancing Online InstructionThrough a Community of InquiryUtilize Technology Through Improved

Online Presentations (lessons learned in SOE) = Teaching & Cognitive Presence Break Lectures into 15 – 20 segments Coordinate Visual Content – Charts, Graphics,

PowerPoint, Samples, Pictures, etc Require Intermittent Interaction/Response Utilize Experts and Guest Speakers

Enhancing Online Assessment Through a Community of Inquiry

Go Beyond Tests and Papers (mid-term & final) Include Performance Assessments (more

Authentic/Real-World) Utilize Summative & Formative Link to Competencies & Instruction Assess Discussion Board Content – Link to Course

Readings Directly Expand Beyond Individual to Include Group Be Aware of Academic Honesty Issues –

Communicate Expectations to Students

Resources to Consider

Distance Learning in Higher Education A Programmatic Approach to Planning, Design, Instruction, Evaluation, and Accreditation - A. Rovai, M.K. Ponton, J.D. baker – Regent University

Enhancing online teaching: designing responsivelearning environments - M. Hicks, I. Reid, R. GeorgeFlexible Learning Centre University of South Australiahttp://www.herdsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/conference/1999/pdf/Hicks.PDF

Designing Online Courses: Models for Improvement - Faculty Focus Special Report Sept. 2011 -- http://www.facultyfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/images/Report-DesignOnlineCourseFinal.pdf