We have reviewed the importance of utilizing a course framework, testing a course-module template and course module, course-module consistency, the development and use of a learning-objects database and its function.
Understanding that the attention span for each student varies and will affect their comprehension of each module. Creating modules for the student by "chunking" assignments and keeping consistency throughout each course will create a balance flow with less stress and chaos for the online learner.
Consistency is imperative when you are setting up a course. Consistent time requirements, visual affects and language is helpful in providing a stable environment and reassuring the students expectations of the course. It is important to review and change as needed. Using a shared base of files can help to save time and energy over multiple courses.
Consistency on module to make it more sense to students and get them familiarized with similar course modules. Will analyze LMS prior to design.
The main takeaway for me was the importance of a database of reusable learning objects. This can be especially useful when teaching sequences of courses that use many of the same techniques.
The most important thing I learned was module consitency to make it easier on the students and less stressful in finding information.
Although some variety is nice, students really do need consistency in an online course. The templates should be similar with similar lengths of the modules. Learning objectives are helpful but should be easy to use and find for the students, also.
Keep it clear and consistant; content needs to be easily navigated and understood.
Consistancy. Being consistant in modules from course to course will alleviate stress and anxiety of students. Also, "chunking" will make items easier to locate for both instructor and students.
It is important to have consistency with online learning for students. Other things to cosider for online format are the types and length of videos, font, size, and limiting the use of italics.
Developing an Effective Online Course will take planning, revision and flexibility. It will be important to allow time for trial and error to work out the kinks.
"It is essential to document what issues were reported in the first testing session and make sure they were not reported in the second testing session."
This goes with more than just testing. It's absolutely ongoing. Being able to teach more than one class a day, I can take what students either picked up or didn't, and apply more or less to the next class, and even retouch on what the class the night before learned that the morning class may have missed out on the next time I meet with the morning class.
We already have an institutional template that we use. I have also tried incorporating the same types of assignments from course to course to allow students to build a repertoire of study tools to utilize for their certification exam they will need to pass upon completion of the program.
A learning-objects database is a repository to store files, graphics, audio, video, has made updating and editing assignments much easier. It also allows me to share with other instructors.
This section taught me the importance of consistency in online course structure.
Consistency, Consistency, Consistency
To assist students in being confident in finding resources, assigments and general tools of the program.
The biggest take away I learned from this section was consistency in how material is presented, such as in using certain colors or fonts to highlight ideas. I also learned about attention span for different modalities of learning such as videos.
Consistency is key to ensuring student success.
The thing I learned the most out of this part of the class was how to design my templates to be consistent and with clarity to help students understand what they are supposed to do while keeping them engaged.
I have learned taht building a library of objective - learning material (common learning outcomes) can help to save time when designing a course and help maintin consistent learning outcomes from one course to the next.
