Jane Leight

Carrie, You are absolutely correct that a course design specification is an excellent tool for communicating the needs of the designer to the developer. This process, however, is often time-consuming so quicker methods are employed in order to get a course up and running. What ends up being created is actually a prototype of of the course rather than the course itself. Through iterations (versions), the course eventually becomes what the designer (instructor) had in mind. Course development is a dynamic environment where cost vs. benefit, student needs vs. institutional needs, etc. must be considered. And, besides, isn't "versions" how… >>>

Carrie, You bring up some important issues in both types of online learning. The students who "step out" during synchronous classes remind me of those who daydream or put their heads down during on campus classes. I deal with them online in much the same manner as I do on campus; I ask students to show their agreement with a statement I make by raising their hands. I include participation points as part of the grade in every class I teach. I agree with you that asynchronous discussion can be less stressful, but I often have trouble getting students to… >>>