In order for you and the vendor to be on the same page and develop a program that fits your needs and is one the vendor can provide, I think it is imperative that you have Course Design Specifications. Having taken some programming myself, I realize that the vendor will have a template to follow to aid in creating a new course. This should pose no real problem as they can adjust to meet my needs. The CDS will make sure that I understand the course that I am teaching and will require less work on the back end since I will be very aware of what is in my course.
Debi,
Would the design specification approach still be appropriate in this case?
You mention that this method is proven and cost effective. Is it possible to use this canned approach and still develop interesting and educationally sound courses? I am interested in your thoughts :) Jane
I agree. Most developers seem to have their own approach as a base and then will insert any type specific needs that you may desire. This seems to be the norm around N.J. It saves time as most online courses have similar needs, it is a proven method, and is cost effective
This is a great "food for thought" question, as miscommunication can always occur. I would suggest adding dates, in the timeline, for review, so if any miscommunication does occur you can nip it fast without delay.
The course design specification would give you the confidence that the course is going to include all of the content necessary to successfully deliver the course. It would also cut down on the amount of time spent redoing or adding to the course and would allow you to deliver the course at the scheduled time without delays due to production.
Lillian,
You make a good point that the course designe specification is a terrific communication tool between you and your outsource person. Also, if you choose your developer wisely, they will be able to offer suggestions for making your course better.
So, do you think that this tool is worth the time and effort it requires?
I am interested in your thoughts :)
Jane
By developing a course design the outsource person would know exactly what we want in our online course. And we would benefit from their experience.
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
A Course Design Specification would be necessary when establishing a solid idea on how the course would function. If there wasn't a goal to be reached while creating the course, many points and sections would be overlooked.
I am a control freak also :)
It was nice conversing with you!
Jane
The issue of the CDS in the hands of the vendor would indeed very much depend on the skill of the vendor. Personally, it's difficult to surrender that much control :-). However, it could be accomplished with a slightly longer lead time to acquire the right vendor/author combination. Could be done.
As for the process speed, yes I believe that basic prototype with the general layout, etc., would go a long way towards speeding up the end process for any new courses. You avoid having to re-invent the wheel and you promote consistency.
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
Speed and clarity would both be improved with a Course Design Specification. As the Director, I would get what I want in Online Courses. The students would end up with consistency and therefore ease of navigation. The instructors would be happy if everything looked standardized and professional.
A vendor doing all of the design specs would impart a great deal of his own, or someone else's style into the course, in the absence of a CDS document.
There is need for a design specification document - have to start somewhere. Working closely with a developer to tweak it is where I was headed. If you are sure of what you do want in the design it does eliminate some time, thus money spent and hours worked.
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
I agree that having a Course Design Specification list helps communicate my needs to the prospective developer. Listing the course's needs to meet the students needs to achieve the desired learning outcome also plays a role and is included in my design. It helps to decrease error, costs and time needed to have it all laid out.
Sherri,
I agree... trying to coordinate the input from four schools will require an effective course management tool. Best of luck to you!
:)
Jane
I agree with Dave that templates (ISD model) will be essential for my success in developing online courses. This will be our first attempt at this, and it is important to standardize the process as we have four schools that will participate.
Sherri
John,
I believe you have hit on the true purpose of the design specification document; to streamline the development process.
Also, you make a good point that the content of the course must not be sacrificed in the streamlining process. Balance is the key.
:)
Jane
Jason,
You bring up a good point that the design specification document is a somewhat like a syllabus for the vendor. It guides the development team through the development process.
I always like to know where I am going to end up when taking on a project, don't you?
Thanks,
Jane
