TPOL Chapter 10The Development

of Online CoursesDean Caplan – Canadian Pacific RailwayRodger Graham – Athabasca University

Israel ButlerEDET 755

The Model Online Course

Instructional Designs of learning materials are stable, based on proven learning theories

Meets institution’s identified standards for quality, usability, & interoperability

Appropriate tools selected to meet standards

Course takes advantage of supplied technologies

Comprised of simple cost-effective designs

Online Education

Still in its infancy

Teachers must unlearn old methods for this new form of instruction

Students must implement better time management and find motivation to stay in engaged in course work

What defines an online course?

1990s: Courses that are primarily text-based (online or by mailed hard copy) with computer mediated enhancements

2000s: Courses that are designed specifically for the Internet

The Use of Learning Management Systems

Organizes and standardizes learning content

Divides courses into modules and lessons

Supported with quizzes, tests, and sicussions

Examples: BlackBoard, Moodle, & Desire2Learn

E-Learning 2.0

Community based model of learner-to-learner

What to include in a course? Personalized letter of welcome General info about online learning, technology

requirements, academic resources, etc. Info on how to navigate LMS Student log-in info for site Tips on using interactive tools Course syllabus, overview, and schedule Administrative rules and regulations

Effective Online Teaching

Promote active learning at the will of the student

Develop tolerance for responses (cognitive flexibility)

Create material slightly too difficult to encourage critical thinking

Use problems requiring students to understand and manipulate content

Allow students to assess their knowledge and skills throughout course

Conclusion

Much labor goes into constructing an effective online learning environment

Instructors must familiarize themselves with new technologies and communication methods

Students should be taught the ins and outs of online learning and should be engaged through interactive constructs to improve quality of learning

TPOL Chapter 10The Development

of Online CoursesDean Caplan – Canadian Pacific RailwayRodger Graham – Athabasca University

Israel ButlerEDET 755