Online Learning Design

What does it take to build an online course from the ground up?

An explosion of user-friendly tools and platforms has made it easier than ever to create an online course.

In this post, I’ll share course design principles that should be considered for anyone who wants to create an online learning experience.

Course outcomes:

What will your learners know or be able to do by the end of your course? One of the first things to do is establish powerful course outcomes. They should be 1.) learner-centered, 2.) specific 3.) measurable, and 4.) developmental.

Knowledge Activation:

When you introduce a new topic, in what ways will you be tapping into what the learner knows or doesn’t know about the topic? A survey, quick poll, writing prompt, or goal-setting activity can spark curiosity and get them primed to learn.

Microlecture

Microlectures are short (6 minutes or less), instructor-produced videos that are designed using a structured format to provide effective explanations of a single key concept or specific skill set. Videos are great ways to connect with your learners, but keeping them short and focused is key. (And accessible!)

Prep to Implement

At this point, it is time to begin preparing to apply what you are learning in the module. This entails identifying a skill or practice and creating a plan for implementation by completing a planning guide.

Collaborate

Cohort-based learning will already include opportunities to connect with fellow learners, ask questions, and share feedback. Some of this collaboration should be intentionally structured and facilitated to enhance specific learning experiences. For example, small-group discussions could be a good opportunity for learners to begin the Prep to Implement phase.

Implement and Complete Written Reflection

This is where you give it a try. You publish, post, share, create. Crucially, it is important, to deepen your learning, to reflect on the experience. What went well? How would you do it differently next time?

Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog