Delivering content in online classes
Without the interpersonal aspect that is found in traditional face to face classes, I have found that online courses needs to use a mix of delivery methods to help students remain interested, and to address some of the various learning styles. Learning objects (short recorded presentations on a particular topic), live synchronous seminars or chats, discussions, use of relevant videos that pertain to the course material, group discussion or chat options for separate groups of students, etc, all can be helpful in bringing variety to the process of delivering content.
I would be very interested to hear from other online instructors about ways in which you have varied your presentation of content.
John Ragan
I actually went back to the material, and designed my own content from scratch. It took an enormous amount of prep time, but thus far it has been successful.
The structure of an online class sort of demands that the content you create is modular, and deliverable in short, discreet increments. I give them many small assignments, designed to take up no more than 15 minutes or so each. They can then confront the assignment on their terms (which is what online learning is all about). Before they know it, they've completed hours worth of work.
I actually went back to the material, and designed my own content from scratch. It took an enormous amount of prep time, but thus far it has been successful.
The structure of an online class sort of demands that the content you create is modular, and deliverable in short, discreet increments. I give them many small assignments, designed to take up no more than 15 minutes or so each. They can then confront the assignment on their terms (which is what online learning is all about). Before they know it, they've completed hours worth of work.
