There are things to consider when transferring F2F content to online content. The instructor needs to ensure it is clear, concise, and easy to follow.
Utilize the best learning strategies for every individuals.
It has been a long time since I designed an online course completely on my own. Most online schools have master courses and then instructors or committees change and update them (that I have done a great deal of over the years). I had forgotten how exciting it was to design a whole course on my own and this unit has included elements that were not available to me back in the early 2000s when online teaching was relatively new and we were all on our own.
I'd like to see some elements -- like blogs -- in action so as to see how it works within the online classroom.
Nancy Tosh
The 4 O's: Origin, organization, Orchestration, Outcomes
I teach Oral Pathology to dental hygiene students. Right now we are in a blended curriculum after coming off teaching mainly online for the past COVID19 year. I am not a fan of the current discussion boards that have been implemented within this course. So I have not made it a concern to be involved in whatever the discussion is about, but just grading it. It can be very hard to respond to 24 discussions on a timely basis. How would you recommend responding to a class on a discussion board without offending anyone?
The importance of being consistent. Being consistent in our course layout will make it easier for students to find the materials they need which will lessen their frustration and improve their learning because they can focus on the content, instead of finding where things are.
I think its good to step back and reassess the components of the course apart from the F2F curriclum. Start with the end (goals) what the entire learning outcome should be. Break it down in to the bite-sized components and select the most effect way to deliver/commuicate and assess the student progress. Allow for student individual learning styles.
I found the four Os of course design very intewresting. It gives a pretty good blueprint to ensure the required consistency is achieved while in the course development stage.
This was very infomormative on how to layout the course and include synchronous class time in small doses and using asynchronous tasks to supplement and add to the content to enhance engagement and effective learning.
My key take a way from this Module is the advisement to front load lessons so that students can ask questions at the beginning of a unit.
There are many things to take into consideration in the transition from F2F to online learning. Evaluating, assessing and organizing an online course is important in order to keep the material up to date and appealing.
Making my course my own is important in order to give the students a teaching style that helps them to learn in the way they need to learn while still being consistent with my personality and teaching style.
Be organized and provide feedback is the key to success.
Indeed courses should be frequently/continuously evaluated for effectiveness. Most importantly use the results of that evaluation to change and improve the course, your teaching, and their learning
Consistency is key! Provide a consistant and organized learning environment. Also be sure to provide good, constructive, positive feedback. Do your best to be accessable.
A combination of print, audio, video and communication tools should be used by an instructor for the effective delivery of an online course. When converting the course content for use in the online environment, 4 O'S (Origin, Organization, orchestration and Outcomes Assessment) of course design should be kept in mind. Emails, Course Announcements, discussion boards, games and blogs are very good tools to use to enhance student engagement. Keeping layout of the online course consistent is very importanrt as it allows students to access the course content quickly and easily and also makes it easier for the instructor to edit and modify thr course content.
I used to be worried that a simple layout would be boring to students. However, as I have learned in this module, the content does need to be provided in a manner that is easy for students to access. The content should be in short, accessible methods. Updating is also easier in this way.
I appreciated the examples of effective teaching methods in an online environment - it basically boils down to using a variety of communication methods in a consistent matter and making sure your online course is engaging, accessible, and provdes the most important information in smaller "chunks" so as not to risk losing student interest.
Online format needs to organized and engaging. Instructors can use personal experience and let their personality show to engage the students.
When transitioning a course from F2F to online it is important to organize the information well and select what is most important "need to know" to provide short lectures that emphasize this content. It is also important to be consistent in how materials are organized so students become familiar with where to find what they need. Presenting yourself as an instructor, both at the beginning and throughout the course, in a way that helps students connect with you helps the student feel welcomed and more present in the course.
