Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Ensuring Online Course Quality Experiences

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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