Jason,
Thanks! Good list. The key, as you say it, is geting to knowyour students and knowing your content. Thanks!
Keisha,
Exactly. You are thinking about your learning outcomes and what students must learn. Keep thinking about how you can best offer the content to them. Nice job.
Hello all,
I would say that the three most important things to consider in authoring an online course are: 1) the type of student, 2) the course subject, 3) tonality.
The type of student will impact many decisions about an online course. Typically, online students are a bit older with more experience than students at land based universities. This impacts the difference in learning environment. While many young 18 year old students are still needing to learn to be responsible adults- a 40 year old with 20 years of experience in the field may prosper more from the focus on the subject matter than on tasks related to teaching discipline.
The type of student relates greatly to the type of subject taught- in that the approach again will differ depending on the subject matter. With introductory classes- students may need more assistance with the course set up and basics of the online environment. This may be true with tonality- where more time may need to be placed on teaching students etiquette when they are just beginning their online studies than when they are experienced online students.
Brion.,
Right on. The students and course content many times determine how we deliver the content. We do have a variety of students.
I think the subject matter, the learners and the mean of communication are the most important three factors.
History course is different form math course and both are different than accounting course.
The learners age and background are also important.
The mean of communication being f2f hybrid and online also will impact the course development.
Mahmoud,
The course content and the level of students plays a signifant role in teaching the course. You are right on with your comments. Thanks.
The most important aspect is determining the depth of information to be presented to students.
Of course the #1 goal is for students to learn what is within the framework of the course. Sometimes an instructor/professor can overwhelm students in the online environment so providing an overabundance of information is just not learning condusive. Providing supplemental material is critical but there certainly is a fine line when determining the correct amount of information. Taking into consideration, the specfiic program, depth of information and length of course are all vital components to create a well-rounded learning environment.
Roland,
We do have to think about where the course fits in the curriculum. Is it the first class or capstone course. The learning objectives will be at different levels within those courses. Thanks for your comments.
1. Learning objectives
2. Various learning styles
3. Engagement
Stephanie,
Short and concise list, but on target. Thanks for adding to the list of things to consider.
Take care.
When I am authoring my own class, the three most important thing I believe are:
1. to have clear and concise learning objectives
2. Make assessments cover the learning objectives
3. Consider the type of assessment and how to deliver the lecture materials.
Charles,
These two definitely go hand in hand. It is important we communicate the learning outcomes clearly to all students. Thanks for your input.
When authoring an online course, I would think that the three most important things to consider would be: The Course Objectives, The Targeted Trainees/Students, and Student Assessment Strategies.
The course objectives lead to teaching methods and student assessment strategies, establish the outcome of the course and help determine where the course lies in the curriculum, as well as determine what knowledge or skills the students have so far (from previous courses if any). The Targeted Trainees/Students can help influence how the material is related to their educational/training goals as being important. And Student Assessment will correspond to the stated learning objectives (Once you have written your learning objectives, you have defined your assessment materials)
Zakaria Saleh
Zakaria,
We have to provide content to students in a variety of ways to "hit" all learning styles. It's important to make sure your projects/assignments as well as the assessments are connected to the learning objectives. Thanks!
Three most important things to consider are:
1. Presentation of course for interest and understanding for students.
2. Ease of presentation for student comprehension.
3. Interest for students to elaborate and like so their discussions have "meat" and interest so other students will participate.
If the above is obtained students will be receptive to taker a greater interest and try to score higher.
Maureen,
Excellent. It's so important to understand how to present the course content so all students can comprehend the information. This helps them all excel in moving forward toward the objectives. Thanks!
