Primarily I think it is important to consider the course material. Secondly I would focus on the delivery method of that material and given this is an online course, it should offer all of the same elements as a traditional ground course. Thirdly, I would consider how to assess the students' knowledge of the presented material, not just at the end, but all throughout the modules within the course.
Michelle,
You're right. This helps a lot. I do ask students answer a few questions at the beginning of the course that helps me understand them better. Thanks!
John,
I learn a lot by asking students to write an introduction paragraph as the first discussion board post. I also ask them to post a picture of themselves or a picture that represents them if they don't want to post a photo of themselves. That helps a lot.
It is important to keep the students' objectives in mind, the audience and expectations. What are the students seeking to 'get' out of the course? what is the tech skill level of my audience? To ensure objectives are met and audience relates --need to author course in line with expectations for everyone.
This is all new to me. While in the classroom I can size up the audience fairly quickly. How does one know its audience with an on line class?
Alvin,
Knowing your audience and helping them move toward the learning objectives is the goal. Implementing a course that accessible to all and helps students move toward objectives is the key. Nice job.
Cristina,
Teaching is similar to real estate, but it's not location, location, location - it's audience, audience, audience. Right on!
Maureen,
I like your use of the term "meat." We do have to have something for them to "chew" on. ;-)
Thanks!
I believe you must know:
(1) Your audience / target audiencd
(2) Goals / objectives of the course
(3) Any and all constraints with regards to latitude/vision to implement the course.
Alvin
The three most important considerations in authoring an online course are:
1. The target audience and the level of knowledge
2. Creating clear and specific objectives that link to the program goal
3. The content is current and relevant to program goals
Three areas about authoring online courses would be:
1. Presentation of course for student understanding. Difficulty brings questions, lack of interest, grades poorer, and a variety of factors for the student.
2. Ease of presentation for student comprehension
3. Interest generated with the subject matter for student to elaborate and like so their discussions have "meat" and interest other students participation.
If students do not get interested in the subject matter early in the course, then they tend to be less participating.
Erika,
And, tie all that to the objectives. This provides a good grounding to get the class started and moving forward.
Thanks.
The three most important things to consider are:
1. What do I want my students to get out of this course
2. How is information best delivered to students
3. How is information best organized for my students
If these three things are well-thought out and planned, students will have an easy time learning the material.
Julie,
You have learned a lot in a couple years. Knowing your students and knowing your content along with how to motivate and engage students is important. Thanks for your input.
I have been teaching online for couple of years and have come to conclusion that there are three questions I need to answer when authoring a course:
1) Who are my students? (Is it a 100-, 200-, etc. level class?)
2) What do I want my student to know when they leave the course? (Objectives)
3) What tools I’m going to use to teach and motivate them? (What kind of assignments? How many of them? Group work? Multimedia presentations? Live chats, etc.)
Herlaine,
We are all different and so are our students. The more we get to know them, the better we can help our students to strive toward the learning objectives. Thanks!
Elodie,
Thanks for your list! We definitely have to keep the objectives in the forefront of what we do. I like that you also noted to cite material and provide consistency. Nice job.
When authoring a course, the three most important things to consider are generations of learners as each generation views education differently, course level, time to learn required content.
The three most important things to consider are:
1. Keeping in mind that objectives and goals of the course and thus make sure that they are matched throughout the process
2. Consistency throughout the writing of the content
3. Making sure that the content is my own and everything that is not - meaning reference to - is properly cited.
Thomas,
I agree that #3 is very important. You bring up some very good points. I think we learn a lot as we go, but we also learn from each other in these forums. Thanks!
