Online Learning
In an online class the course framework is important because it navigates students through the course and provides ease in understanding the course objective. Creating a course-module template helps instructors to be more organized and deliver course content to the students more efficiently.
Jennifer ,
Love your "C" words - consistency, clarity, content. They go along with communicating the expectations to the students and connecting everything to the learning outcomes. Nice job.
The course framework provides an excellent structure for ensuring consistency, clarity and flow of the content. As an online instructor, I have considerable content I wish to include in the course. Following the steps in the framework helps me to organize the material in way that will maximize student learning. It enables the students to gain a greater understanding of the course objectives and the sequence of learning. This was a valuable module as a refresher on ensuring I consider that question “what do I want students to know and doâ€
Marshall,
We all don't assess nor teach the same, but with the rubrics we use, we - ourselves - should be consistent. Thanks!
Right, any minor change I get emails, telling me that other instructors do not require the same level of documentation for papers.
Nicholas,
Understanding the expectaions and navigation are essential. Thanks!
Absolutely. The framework provides a easy to understand and access manner of navigating through the areas of the course. It is important to have this framework simple and clear.
Edward,
Yes, I see your point of consistency across courses. I try to at least set up the navigation and layout the same in each course. Then if students take more than one course it is easier for them to navigate and they feel more comfortable at the first thing. Of course not all students learn the same way so as an online instructor you have to tweak class to best serve the audience - your students. Keep up the great work.
When it comes to the two "Cs" I certainly can understand the need for that within a single course framework. However, I wonder if there is a need for an instructor to keep consistency between different courses they may teach or only throughout a single course.
I can see how a student who had experienced a particular teacher's methods and styles might be drawn to the idea of taking another course offered by that instructor. However, on the flip side, I would hate to think that once one developed a certain style and methodology that he/she would be "stuck" in a rut and unable to try new or different things (hopefully for the better) as time goes on.
What do you think?
lisa,
So true. We have to know where we are going before we can get there. Hence, navigation. Thanks for your input.
I agree. The framework is crucial for the students success. It must be easy to navigate and clearly understandable.
Renee,
Yes, it's good to ask students to help each other. Many time students can explain things in different words (their language) to help each other understand. Peer evaluation and feedback is also great. Thanks!
Another option I have found useful and it also encourages the "team concept" is I ask a student who is having trouble with navigating within the online course to ask others in their class how they are getting to this, etc. as they are not having any success or I privately communicate with a student who is doing well and ask them to email a fellow student and explain to them what they need to do - peer communication promotes good, positive interaction.
Tipton,
It takes awhile to get something right. My dad always said you have to build three houses before you get the house you want. I think it's the same with teaching online. About the third time I feel like it's the way I want, but there are still constant revisions and updating. Thanks for your input.
We are on the 6th iteration of our online course. It is very important to analyze student feedback, in the form of surveys and critiques, to modify the course framework. This enhances the overall course and allows for updating of information and curricula.
Hima,
The navigation is key to an online course. Students (and the instructor) must be able to find key components of the course, know how to submit assignments, etc. to make the class a success. Thank you.
Rose,
You are exactly right. Students and instructors both need that consistency.
Thanks for your input.
Yes, the course framework is very important especially for online class. Students will have easier understanding on the objectives and goals of the course work by looking at the course framework. The template will provide the guideline for the instructors on how to deliver the structure and the content of the course work. It will provide the consistency across the courses.
Susan,
You are right. Without the framework students do not know how to navigate the course, objectives, etc. Organization and communication are so important in teaching whether online or F2F.
Thanks for your input.
I agree because if solid course framework is not in place then the students are lost and have no clue what the online course objectives are. If the instructor is not organized and incapable of an efficient delivery then the students are already lost and the class will be non-productive.
