Gee Jon, I could not disagree more. If a picture is a thousand words, then three paragraphs typed into a discussion box is the equivalent of an "ah" when speaking. The commitment in effort and time required to construct and teach an online course is far more substantial than a similar effort for a ground course. That is because in the "real world" I have the luxury of conveying a message with a look, a glance, the tone, volume and sound of my voice. Online, I must be able to communicate in writing succinctly and with a paucity of words the message I wish to convey.
I disagree. In a traditional classroom setting, you can add, change, delete materials based on what you know about the students if, for example, you have had them in class during another course. You may be able to quickly pick up on facial expressions and verbally enhance something that appears boring to them or add further explanation if they seem confused.
Some instructors even give an assessment the first day to see what the students already know about the subject matter and are then able to adjust their lecture accordingly. When developing an online course, you do not know the learning styles of the students who have enrolled and the adjustments that I have mentioned are not as readily made.
Not having done much online instructing as yet, This question requires total speculation on my part... but if pressed I would say that at the present time it probably requires more time to design and develop an online course than a traditionally delivered course.
As Rob mentions above, learning about and implementing the technological aspects place time demands on the online instructor that are not experienced by instructors in a traditional setting.
Moreover, to put it in musical terms, my approach in the classroom has more of a jazz approach than classical. I tend to launch from a lesson plan framework into highly interactive discussions and activities with my students, that would fall flat in an asynchronous environment. I expect that an online format (assuming much more written text, asynchronous communication) would have to follow the plan note-for-note, as written.
However, as traditional classroom delivery yields to more internet-media driven delivery (for example, I find myself using more and more youtube videos in the classroom to drive home points, demonstrate examples, etc.), and as online instruction uses more and more real-time interactivity supplanting passive media (skype, webex, etc.) , I think the two approaches will probably approach the median (in terms or preparation requirements) over time.
All that said, in my experience, the job tends to contract or expand to fit the time allowed...
I absolutely disagree. In the online environment you have to plan ahead for any fires that may happen. This means much more planning time to anticipate anything that may go wrong or any questions that your students may have. In a face to face situation you can answer questions as they come. The nice thing about the on-line environment is you tend to overprepare so you see problems from different angles. After a teacher goes through the on-line class a few times you generally have a better sense of the course and the problems that will be encountered so you are prepared for anything. I would say it is more work to prepare for and on-line class but as you progress you are prepared for any situation.
I disagree. Online course development takes a lot more time. It requires more time to:
- deal with the technology
- provide effective structure and navigation
- consider and answer potential questions students may have.
- communicate back and forth with students
- provide activities/sessions that keep a student's interest. They get bored more quickly when staring at a computer screen.
- proofread everything, since it's communicated in a written form.
It can be very time consuming - it really depends on the amount of materials you have up-front, the expectations and if you also have a team. - Jon
Although I have never had to develop an online course, I would have to disagree that it is less time consuming than a traditional course. For online, everything is put into writing. There should be a great deal of editing and proofreading. In addition, each online course should be navigated before being published to ensure that it is functional and user friendly.
Penny,
Good points. You are correct, it can take substantially longer, especially if it is highly interactive.
Jon
I disagree with this statement. I belive it takes longer to adequately prepare for an online course. For example, one must determine what types of questions and assignments will keep students engaged. In addition, an instructor must remain visible in different aspects of the learning process as the instructor is not able to see the student face to face.
Great points - thanks for sharing! - Jon
Great point on the importance of quality assessments in class development! - Jon
Julia,
I agree, new tools (in and out of the LMS) can really speed development.
Thanks,
Jon
Kathara,
Yes - it is definitely easier after its done!
Jon
LE,
I would like to second the speed increases as you become more comfortable/experienced.
Jon
Rachel,
I agree - its much harder to adapt and explain when all the content is asynchronous.
Thanks,
Jon
Interesting - thanks for sharing! - Jon
Nathan,
"Poor instructions equal disaster." - great point, no chance to quickly explain more.
Thanks,
Jon
James,
Yes, if you aren't working with a team, the individual time can be significant.
Jon
Cathy,
It can be a lot more upfront!
Jon
Online course development takes much longer to develop. In the classroom you can follow up on any written instructions with helpful comments, suggestions and direction. This is not the case online so you have to make sure everything makes sense, flows well and is clear. This requires a significant amount of review. There is more flexibility in the traditional classroom. Online there is no flexibility. Poor instructions equal disaster.
