Jane Leight

Hi Chris, You're right, it's always good to have the end in mind. A course design specification is a terrific communication tool as well as a good planning tool. Do you think this document would be worth the time it takes to prepare it? Thanks :) Jane

I am a control freak also :) It was nice conversing with you! Jane

Howard, I agree with your point about what would happen in the absence of a Course Design Specification document but I am wondering if that could be a benefit rather than a downfall. I suppose it would depend on the experience of the vendor. You mention that the CDS document helps speed up the process. Do you think that, perhaps, developing a prototype based on some basic information and then tweeking that prototype may be a faster way to develop your course? I am interested in your thoughts. Thanks, Jane

Hi Howard, Do you believe that some schools offer Speech classes online? The assessment is videotaped speeches that are then uploaded for the class and instructor to evaluate. Aside from the impromptu assignments, your business plan course may someday be appropriate for online. Who knows? It is ironic that you experienced a connection problem while responding to this question. Now you see another issue with online assessment :) Good post!

There is also a product available called ExamGuard. Are you familiar with it? ExamGuard (and similar programs) take over a student's computer during an exam. The student can't access any other parts of the computer such as the Internet, printer, files, etc. It protects the integrity of the test and prevents cheating. I suppose you can't prevent the use of books and notes but, I'm not sure that referring to them is all bad. Being able to find information is as important, or possibly more important, than being able to memorize it. What do you think? :) Jane

Hi Howard, Your response shows the progress that online education has made over the past few years. You bring up a good point that schools can produce quality graduates, whether they are traditional or online schools. One of the things I have noticed is that, unless a school only operates via online, transcripts don't designate how classes were completed. Do you think that online students make better employees? I am interested in your thoughts. :) Jane

Marcia, A course design specification could decrease errors but I wonder if it would actually save time and costs. The alternative would be to work with the developer directly, with sketchy information, to have a prototype developed. By tweaking the prototype, rather than putting time into preparing a detailed design specification document, perhaps the process would go more quickly; thus saving money also. What do you think? :) Jane

Marcia, It seems that a hybrid course is best for your students. Many schools are finding that having a portion of the learning take place online is preferable to expanding their facilities to accommodate more students. You have provided a comprehensive list of assessment techniques. Would you also grade students on their responses to discussion questions? I find that, in the marketing classes I teach, you can assess your students' grasp of the material through their responses to case study questions. They are my favorite assessment method. Thanks for your response :) Jane

Good points! I would love to get a look at the results of the study you propose. :)