Tena Crews

Kurt,

Typically depends on the school or unit. We try to be consistent but are not always consistent. We do not have a mandated template but I know some schools that do. Thanks for your input.

Dr. Tena B. Crews

Bari Courts

The course framework makes students comfortable with the class structure. My experience has been that students appreciate following a similar roadmap in this courses. However, if you throw a wrench into the system with a change or addition, be prepare to provide assistance and guidance to get students through a new activity or change.
Dr. Bari Courts

Tena Crews

Bari,

An effective framework helps students understand the structure and organization of the course. This also helps students more toward achieving learning outcomes. Thanks for your input.

Katrina Wahlstrom

Hi Bari,

I have to agree with you. I am currently teaching courses while completing my doctorate coursework, so I can see this from both ways. It is a lot easier for the instructor to maintain the same framework, but also creates a harmonious environment for students. It only confuses students when there are too many changes, so consistency in this manner is ideal.

Katrina Wahlstrom

Eleanor Smith

I think its important to have some variation in the courses so that students remain stimulated and interested. There must also, however be consistency. A few new things introduced keeps the course interesting and exciting. The consistence comes in format, expectations, relational assignments so that students see the interconnections, and integraion of some key concepts/content from the previous module. This is, of course, assuming that both courses are a part of an academic path (major).

Tena Crews

Katrina and Bari,

Thanks for sharing your experience. Consistence is very much the key in a great online environment. Thanks again.

Tena Crews

Eleanor,

Variation is good. The more we offer content in a variety of ways, the more we "hit" different learning styles of the students. Good job.

william trautman

The courses at a schoolshould have theb same frame work, so the students are not learning a new process with each course. This wghy instructor trainging is very important.

Tena Crews

william,

There is a lot to be said about consistency in navigation and looks. Thanks for your input.

Albert Alexander

I consider course to course variation different from allowing different learning styles.

Different learning styles is often hampered and constrained by the LMS and the format of the assignments. I have found that audio learners can be overly challenged if audio/visuals and live chats are not used.

Tena Crews

Albert,

You are right. Sometimes we have to work around a LMS or certain limitations of technology to get the content to the students in the desired fashion. Thanks for sharing.

Dara Harper

It is important that the course framework is easy to follow and understand so that students know what to expect and can succeed.

Tena Crews

Dara,

Yes, when the students understand the expecations as they are clearly described/communicated to them, they can then reach those goals.

Thanks!

Suzanne Strulowitz

Because I teach at different schools, I have thought about this a lot. I think within a school or program it is important to have some level of consistency. It is helpful when classes are organized into similar number of modules and when requirements for discussion board posts, citing references, and other assignments are similar. I think is also helpful when late and extension policies are the same across the board in one program. It means the students know what to expect and the predictability gives them a certain level of comfort.

Tena Crews

Suzanne,

I agree. Consistency is the look and feel of online courses also helps the school "brand" themselves. Students are likely to come back to a brand if they were successful. Thanks.