TEAM!!!
This Lesson represented the Importance of Four Principles:
Structural, Navigation, Learner-Centered, and Intellectual...
Though it is true that the online classroom Structural and Navigational layouts are vital, I cannot agree on them being AS important...
You can have the BEST Structured Online Platform, but without US being on our A game, understanding why our students take online courses, our ability to enhance every learners abilities, and the sites resources for the student, Structure, though important, will not matter in the overall scheme if WE are not Knowledgable, Professional and able to impart the skills needed to be successful.
What good is a beautiful house on the outside, if it is not sitting on a firm foundation?
I have experienced closer interactions with students online than face to face.
Yes and No: Using an online course is good as long as it is used as a tool in the classroom or for study. in other cases it would not be good exclusely for there is no personal interaction with students. Also , where would you have direct hands-on activities for example computer hardware and networking. On-line course instruction would be very good for the theory end of the classes.
The look and feel of an online course is very important. For maximum success, the online learner must be able to find and navigate through the course's sections, learning opportunities, assignments and assessments with ease. Also, it is important to set a tone for the course that is welcoming, as well as conducive to learning. A course that is well organized, well designed, clear, user-friendly, provides clear guidelines, instructions and directions, as well as the oppoetunity for communication and feedback will guarantee maximum learning outcomes.
I agree with much of what you've said Bob, although I think what we give students to chew on may need to vary in how we deliver it based on their familiarity with the Internet. I've noticed that I sometimes need to save "the meatier" portions for a bit into a course so students can focus on the content more deeply, having overcome some of the difficulties with technology that "newbies" have encountered.
I would agree that the look and feel of an online course is as important as the knowledge and skills it's designed to impart. The reason I feel this way is that if a course is confusing or poorly laid out students will perceive that it's a waste of their time. They may focus on their displeasure instead of putting their best energy into becoming engaged in the course.
I agree. I am interested in teaching online courses, and I am a new student to this concept. I can see how important it is for a student to feel comfortable and understand the entire process. Obstacles, such as confusion about course content or difficulty while navigating through a course, could cause a student to become frustrated and loose interest in the course.
In addition, a student may be spending more time navigating through the process instead of focusing on course content.
Eva,
I agree, it is definitely more important to some learners.
Jon
Students are visual learners. It is important to take into account the look and feel of online courses so as to provide effective teaching/learning experiences.
I agree, “The look and feel of an online course is as important as the knowledge and skills it is designed to impart.†The packaging, presentation and delivery of any product (in our case a specific course of learning) are important.
Whether a garment or an entrée, the perception of the product by the consumer is crucial to the product’s success. This same concept applies to the classroom or electronic presentation of instruction. Will the course stimulate and provide applicable knowledge for the future career? Will the student be compelled to soak up and apply “new found knowledge†by the various methods we employee in presenting the package no matter the learning environment?
Absolutely agree. The look should invite interest and attention. The feel should feature comfortable navigation with obvious links and selections. You only get one chance at a first impression.
I very much agree. I like keeping my life organized and simple. The look and feel of a course, for me, needs to demonstrate and reflect organization and simplicity. I want to be able to access the information I need quickly and not be frustrated by delays in searching through multiple layers. To a lesser extent, I also enjoy working in a colorful, but clean environment. The course look should be inviting and not sterile to promote and prepare students to learn.
I agree that the way a class looks is important. Some online courses I have taken are all over the place. It takes too many clicks to get somewhere and information is often missed.
Jon,
I also feel that the online courses are a good way to learn different courses at your own pace and at the same time would help us to interact and share better ideas with others from the group as well as different parts of the world.
Timothy,
Good points - another thing to consider is the dividing line between the course design/content (things you can control) and the LMS layout (things you can't control).
Thanks,
Jon
Priyal,
I'm glad you like the design here at MK! :-)
Jon
Patrick,
Great thought about having guides available - they really help (PDFs or video). Sometimes it may be difficult for those who have used the LMS to remember how complex it may seem to a new student.
Best,
Jon
Bonnie,
Great points - thanks for sharing!
Jon
Angela,
I agree - if a student can't get around or feels the design is uninspired, they may be as well.
Thanks,
Jon
Genady,
Great points - thanks for sharing!
Jon
