The following is a list of Needs that should be discussed when designing online programs and courses.
Need: Student Preparation
- Technical preparation (IMS use, homework file uploads and naming, network use from on/off campus, common quirks and workarounds)
- Self-motivation and responsibility
- Access to hardware / software
Need: Support Services to Students
- Technical help
- Library services
- Tutoring (online services versus on campus services)
- Advising and registration (online program plans that show sequence for completing all online)
- Marketing and promotion of available online courses
- “One-stop” contact for students needing help; standard answers, tracking, and forwarding issues
- Feedback mechanisms to students (after registration, after “certification,” new opportunities and courses, etc.)
Need: Faculty Preparation
- Technical training
- Pedagogy and instructional design training
- Assessments for online
- Communication strategies for online courses
- Best practices
Need: Course Offerings
- Suitability of course and content
- Strategic importance of online courses (what are the institutional reasons for offering online courses)
- How instructors are recruited (and which incentives are provided to course developers?)
- Courses which support lifelong learners (continuing education in addition to program completion)
- Integration with customized training and workforce development offerings
Need: Course Design
- Standardizing navigation, location, and document naming
(Syllabus, Course Schedule, Grading Rubric for ….) - Accessible (508 ADA)
- Rigor
- Assignment descriptions and grade assessment
- Tracking of students (demographics, preparation, and performance in courses)
Need: Feedback and Improvement
- Faculty self-assessment
- Peer review
- Student surveys
- Dean’s review
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