Distance Learning: Course Development Process

Online Course Development Process

Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research (CITR) Best Practices for Teaching Online Agenda

Course Description

In this course, faculty will explore both the opportunities and the challenges of teaching online. Enrolled faculty will experience online learning as both a student and an educator, building empathy for both roles. Participants will consider what is unique about learning online, as well as learning principles that stand consistent no matter what the delivery system.

Course Structure

The six week online course is instructor-facilitated and includes weekly discussions, individual and small group activities. Throughout the course, participants will construct a sample online course syllabus that considers course goals and objectives suitable for an online course, an online communications strategy, and the selection of student learning activities and assessments.

Course Instructor: Sara Settles, Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research Course

Goals

At course completion, participants will be able to;

Compare and contrast online instruction with classroom instruction.
Consider a learner-centered approach to teaching online.
Describe how distance in space and time impacts communications and learning.
Explore effective online communication tools and strategies that encourage and develop student collaboration and an online learning community.
Write a course goal and objectives consistent with both curricular goals and the nature of teaching online.
Appropriately select online course activities, assignments, and assessment measures based on the course goal and objectives.
Discuss issues, define barriers to success, and explore best practices in managing the "virtual classroom."
Define copyright and intellectual property issues as they apply to developing online course materials.

Anticipated Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per week