Here is some deep thoughts from my desk. There is lots
of stuff in this entry which will give you pause and is designed to let people
know the thinking process behind the theory of online learning and
designing.
Courses need to be a continuous work in progress.
Work through the 4 stages of online courses and work towards
making your course a level 4. (http://blog.darrencannell.com/2008/11/four-levels-of-courses-explained.html
)
Courses need to be merged with online content, stand-alone
courses are not acceptable, the internet needs to be a big part of your course
and not just a delivery system.
Courses need to be self-evaluated based on exemplary course
program (http://www.blackboard.com/Collateral/Learn-Inventory/2012-Blackboard-Exemplary-Course-Rubric.aspx
)
Work as a departments, subject area courses should be alike
in their approach, cyber school is moving more towards a team approach to
teaching the courses rather than single teacher course ownership.
Flexibility is the key, hard set deadlines are not
acceptable, students need the opportunity to master the work. (http://blog.darrencannell.com/2008/06/synchronous-vs-asynchronous.html
)
Inquiry based learning is the flavour of the day. (http://seenmagazine.us/articles/article-detail/articleid/2539/project-based-learning-the-10-step-plan.aspx
)
Interaction in online courses needs to lean towards
learner-content, and less learner-teacher. This is the different between
online and face to face. (http://blog.darrencannell.com/2012/02/interactivity-in-online-classroom.html)
Utilize a complete range of assessment tools to enhance
engagement. (http://gettingsmart.com/blog/2012/04/less-grading-more-teaching-deeper-learning/
) (http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/summer72/rowe72.html
)
Objective based assessment is a must and will be the future
in our courses
Late/zeros/incompletes these are catch words in a discussion
we had with Cindy Coffin and will be something we will be talking about more.
This is meant to start conversations so feel free to
comment.
