Characteristics of Quality Online Courses | Origin: EL101
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Designing and Developing Online Courses --> Characteristics of Quality Online Courses
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Building an online course use a structure that is effective for each learner that you may encounter.
I learned that quality online courses rely on clear organization, purposeful content design, and consistent communication. I plan to apply this by creating structured modules, using tools that directly support learning outcomes, and maintaining strong facilitator presence to keep students engaged.
I liked the history recap on the beginnings of online learning. I saw online learning evolve greatly over the years of time it took me to complete my Bachelor of Science degree. As technology and internet speeds increased, virtual inperson learning is now almost a standar.
I learned that multisensory experiences increase retention and learning levels in students.
I learned that students crave intellectual interaction from faculty and fellow students. Also, being able to be a contributor is important.
interactions need to be more than just clicking links and watching videos. We need to be more involved in the building of the courses.
Consistency is your friend. I want to make a class that students feel comfortable in, that they they do not get anxiety in looking for stuff, yet intrigued enough about that they want to discover.
Comment on Ann Williamson's post:
Ann,
We are constantly updating what we are delivering. Unfortunately, we will not reach every student. Students also have to be willing to engage; at what level do they want to engage?
Comment on Amanda Dolan's post: Amanda, yes, I agree with you. E-learning is more challenging as an instructor, but students who are focused will learn more from it than from a traditional classroom setting.
Comment on Justina Morales's post: I, too, earned my MBA and DBA learning online. Learning online was personal and offered a deeper, broader learning opportunity. Online learning gives you the chance to test your thoughts with peers without having someone tell you to be aware of corporate culture and values.
Know that if a student is having difficulties early in the course, you will want to work with them, or they will lag. One final point: some students may feel intimidated by others' education and experience. Let these students know that each of them has unique experiences that are valuable for learning.
Comment on james leopard's post: James, you are right. Make it easy for students to learn, "Trust and Verify."
Clearly define the course's expectations in some detail: "Things to Remember." This is presented on one sheet of paper. Send the "Reminders" sheet to everyone via email for the first three weeks of the course.
Remember, if what you are doing is not achieving the results you are expecting, then change the model. Know too that you will not be able to reach everyone.
I see three issues. The first is successful engagement with the student and online peers. The second is measuring the student's level of understanding based on their responses. The third is mixing the delivery by the teacher so as not to lose the student's attention.
In my experience both as a teacher and as a student, visual learning is very effective. As such, providing visual and virtual learning experiences for students helps not only for me to illustrate the material, but also, for students, provide a rich learning environment.
A thoughtful course design shapes the online learning experience. The idea of structural integrity, organizing a course with clear modules, lessons, and topics helps. navigational simplicity and intellectual interaction are important for keeping students engaged and focused so they don’t feel lost or overwhelmed.
I should be reviewing my own course layouts and simplifying how students move through materials. Maybe add more activities that invite discussion and problem-solving rather than passive reading, so students feel more connected to the content and to each other.
Online courses need to be designed to promote and attract student engagement. This can be done by using various teaching techniques. Some include interactive lessons, videos, websites, and moving or still pictures.
building a online course needs to be attractive, clear instruction, expectation to be online and on zoom with instructor. Set up modules with topic easily assess with clear instruction.
