Teaching Resources

Online Courses

Tags/Keywords

Course Design Syllabus Assessment Learning Outcomes Technology hybrid or blended learning

Overview
Technology has transformed post-secondary education by making online instruction a viable learning environment, some believe equal in quality to on-site courses. It provides colleges with the means to recruit additional students, giving them the convenience of asynchronous instruction.
Initially the province of lifelong learning/continuing education programs, online courses are now found in both undergraduate and graduate-level programs. But teaching online and learning online are acquired skills, demanding understanding of both the environment and the equipment...and the wherewithal to adapt that understanding to the best pedagogical techniques for the content.

Re-conceiving a course for online delivery involves designing active and collaborative learning activities that take full advantage of digital communication. For more information see: Teaching an online course structuring online discussion collaborative learning online Strategies and Resources Here are just a few strategies and resources to keep in mind while developing an outline course: Work with an instructional designer experienced with developing online classes. Contact an Instructional design consultant at FITC early in the design process. Design the course as an online learning community Create questions that encourage discussion and analysis. Online discussion is at the heart of the online learning environment. Include an icebreaker assignment to both gauge student knowledge and also to serve as a get-to-know-you activity. Select learning materials to take full advantage of the World Wide Web: check library resources for journal articles and graphic images; identify graphic, audio, or video materials to engage online learners. Provide clear assignment policies including, due dates and the policies if assignments are late, and expectations for discussion forum participation. Grading rubrics reduce student anxiety and focus student work. from DePaul Univ Teaching Commons

MTSU Resources
FITC-- The Faculty Instructional Technology Center provides loads of help for how to combine instruction and technology.

LTITC Resources

From our library--
Allen, M. (2006). Creating successful e-learning: A rapid system for getting it right the first time, every time. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.

Bender, T. (2003). Discussion-based online teaching to enhance student learning. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.

Clark, R.C., & Kwinn, A. (2007). The new virtual classroom: Evidence-based guidelines for synchronous e-learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.

Comeaux, P. (Ed.). (2005). Assessing online learning. Anker Publishing; San Francisco, CA.

Conrad, R. & Donalson, J.A. (2004). Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Draves. W.A. (2002). Teaching online. River Falls, WI: LERN Books.

Hanna, D.E., Glowacki-Dudka, M., & Conceicao-Runlee, S. (2000). 147 practical tips for teaching online groups: Essentials of web-based education. Madison, WI: Atwood Publishing.

Paloff, R.M., & Pratt, K. (2003). Virtual student: A profile and guide to working with online learners. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Palloff, R.M., & Pratt, K. (2007). Building online learning communities: Effective strategies for the virtual classroom. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Paloff, R.M., & Pratt, K. (2009). Assessing the online learner: Resources and strategies for faculty. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

Piskurich, G.M. (2003). Preparing learners for e-learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.

Rosenberg, M. (2006). Beyond e-learning: Approaches and technologies to enhance organizational knowledge, learning, and performance. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.

Salmon, G. (2002). E-tivities: The key to active online learning. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.

Shank, P. (2007). The online learning idea book: 95 proven ways to enhance technology-based and blended learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.

Smith, R.M. (2008). Conquering the content: A step-by-step guide to online course design. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Speck, B.W. (2002). Assessment strategies for the on-line class: From theory to practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

The center also stores copies of Educause periodical.

Teaching Tip May 2008: Designing and Teaching Hybrid Courses. Includes additional sources for designing hybrid courses.

Workshop: Hybrid Course Design. Barbara Draude & Karen Ward presenting. First Tuesday, October 7, 2008.

Online Resources: Tips and Strategies

Instructional Design for eLearning. Minnesota State Colleges & Universities. Excellent, interactive learning module on online teaching. Impressive breakdown of the course design process (using ADDIE). If you are transitioning to online teaching, this is a solid and comprehensive learning module to get you started. http://vfc3.project.mnscu.edu/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={927A1C05-36B9-45CE-AC48-D1E96C016692}

Getting Started Online -- Advantages, Disadvantages, & How to Begin. This self-paced tutorial is designed for faculty members interested in learning more about teaching in an online environment. It offers a review of current literature in the field through readings on key topics, practical tips and suggestions for online teaching, and links to Internet resources for further study. This EXCELLENT tutorial envelops the one above on course design. http://vfc.project.mnscu.edu/

I nstructional Strategies for Online Courses
www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/instructionalstrategies.asp

Redesigning On-Site or Traditional Courses for Online Environments
Author Julie Stout of West Virginia University takes you step-by-step through her redesign of an on-site editing class for an online program.

Wikipedia on E-Learning offers good links to solid research.

Best Practices for an E-Classroom. Things to consider when teaching with technology.

Ohio State University Handbook on Conducting Electronic Discussions

Illinois Online Network provides practical help with designing online courses.
Articles about e-learning

Connexions - Source for online course material

Digital Humanities Summer Institute

Online Publications: Viewpoints, Articles, Books...
The Sensuous Classroom: Focusing on the Embodiment of Learning explores what's sacrificed when a traditional course goes online. Chronicle 2008.

From the Journal Of College Excellence, an article on creating standards for e-learning: Web Based Instruction: Emphasizing Pedagogy in a Technological Environment, Peter Doolittle (VPI), Margaret Chambers (Mindlink). (available hard copy from the Center).

Teaching and Learning Online with Wikis

www.qualitymatters.org

• Offers an assessment of online courses through such things as a rubric, peer review, and on-site training.

www.csuchico.edu/celt/roi

• Offers suggestions for what a high quality online course should look. Rubric components include Learner Support & Resource, Online Organization & Design, Instructional Design & Delivery, Assessment & Evaluation of Student Learning, Innovative Teaching with Technology, and Faculty Use of Student Feedback.

www.fgcu.edu/onlinedesign

• Provides a form for evaluating online courses using the Principles of Online Design, a set of principles designed to enhance online learning and support the ongoing need for performance accountability.

Tomorrow's Professor: The Online Learning Assessment Gap
Discusses the importance of modifying classroom assessment to fit online courses. Also discusses how student expectations may change their assessment of an online course differently from a face-to-face course.

Innovate: Ten Core Principles for Designing Effective Learning Environments-Insights from Brain Research and Pedagogical Theory. Judith V Boettcher. 2009 .