Online courses might be best developed by a team rather than by an individual. It will be necessary for a team member to have knowledge of curriculum while others have specific technical knowledge associated with developing user interfaces.
Nelson
Nelson Stewart, PhD
It really depends on the institution.
A smaller school is often a many-hats environment where the developer is also the person who has to implement the program in which case technological skills are necessary to get the program from the design board to the screen and beyond. Often in a larger institution, however, I have found that there are groups assigned to each phase of the operation and the design team develops the course on paper while another group has the job of transferring those ideas/plans to the computer.
Professor Crider,
What is the best way in citing material taken from the Internet for course development (i.e. graphics)? Per APA Style? Please provide an example of how I may utilize graphics from on online source without infringing on copyright. Should we only be using royalty free graphics?
Thanks,
Andrea
I would locate an expert in online course development to show me the 'bells and whistles' of creating the best online learning environment for students.
Developers of online courses should be well versed in technology, especially in preparing online classroom content. As time and study is spent in the development of the online classroom, I suspect developers gain more knowledge in classroom development. At one of the colleges I provide instruction, I was expected to learn HTML to edit content in my classroom, as a professor. So, I think it is important for an online professor to understand course development, as course developers. I do not agree developers have to be technological wizards, however it is important for developers to understand all the areas and expertise of course development and the niche of technology.
I agree, all you need to understand is the basics. Most of the time the software that you use helps you with instructinal notes and videos.
Hello Shelly,
Developers of online courses mainly need to master the contents of the courses that they are developing. Their knowledge and expertise about the courses that they are developing is the highest priority. Thus, I agree that developers of online courses do not have to be technological wizards.
Best regards,
Eman
The designer does not have to be a technological expert. But I cannot envision a novice technician creating media and presentations in an e-learning environment.
Agreed. You just have to make it entertaining or inspiring to students as well as instructional.
I think the answer is "Moderate." One does not need to be a tech pro, because most platforms are already stable. When we develop a course (and I have done this), we are almost always working within an already existing structure that guides and limits us the same way our course will guide and limit our students (and I know that "limit" sounds icky, but guidance is appreciated in this situation).
Wendi,
I am in agreement with you. Good training and support is the bottom line and most important. I hardly ever have problems with teaching online with the technology. Most of the time it is on my end but a technical support is only a phone call away and within minutes it is taking care of.
Simone Branham
I mostly agree with this, although I think that once the course design is complete, the designer will have a much better understanding of and ability to use technology. There are a lot of ways to find help getting started, like IT departments, training and information available on the internet. Once the designer starts using all of this information, I think that the training and learning by trial-and-error, will definitely increase the designers existing knowledge base on technology.
Marjorie,
Thank you for mentioning sharing with fellow instructors....this is a must!
Shelly Crider
Rathin,
It is good to share your knowledge of apps with your peers!
Shelly Crider
Developers of online courses need to be as up-to-date as possible with technological delivery types and assessment tools, ans well as teaching tools. I would not say wizards, but to keep aiming to learn all that is out there, as much as possible. Do not hesitate to communicate with a fellow instructor about a new technological discovery or teaching tool.
Sincerely,
Marjorie Thrall Moller
I would tend to agree given the programs and software that is available today. Much can be done without technical knowledge. Nevertheless, the availability of individuals who can spend the time to look for programs (such as apps) which can be of help in animation, video production etc. can be helpful,\Rathin Basu
Depends on what is defined as a tech wizard. I think you do need to be familar and proficient with computer technology. Though most schools do have experts in computer tech and ISD to help you design and create your course.
Al,
Excellent post!! I do agree that a subject matter expert is a must as well!
Shelly Crider
Developers of an online class with be a team that include expertise from different fields. It is not necessary that every single team member is a technological wizards. It would help to have some technological background but it is not necessary.
Great question.
I am in the process of rewriting an MBA marketing class that I authored 5 years ago. This is the 3rd update and the school has hired an instructional design company to do all the technology.
I am considered the subject matter expert (SME) and I simply deal with content. They make recommendations for videos, clip art, graphics, animation etc. This is a good thing since I can focus my attention and not worry about these issues especially since these areas are not my strengths but course content is.
So I would answer that there needs to be two aspects of the course development process. Subject matter experts and a design specialist.
