How to Create an Online Course
A resource for faculty who are developing online courses.
Online education is not inherently inferior to classroom education. It is possible to create online courses that help students learn more effectively than traditional methods. As the quality of online education improves and as a higher percentage of students are extremely comfortable using computers, it is likely that students will begin choosing online education because they truly prefer it over traditional classroom methods.
Some of the unique opportunities afforded by online education include:
- A conscious move toward learner-centered instruction
- Opportunities to employ active learning
- Ability to address a variety of learning styles
- Extensive communication among students, faculty, experts "in the field," and others
Obviously, these results don't just "happen"; we have to actively incorporate activities into our courses to make sure students are communicating, taking some responsibility for the direction of their learning, etc.
Sections:
- Instructional Technology Basics: Goals of instructional technology, learning styles, and the three purposes of instructional technology needed in every course
- Learning Online: What does an online course look and feel like to students? What unique opportunities and obstacles do online courses offer?
- Teaching Online: What you can expect when teaching a course online, with a section on Portfolios.
- Build Your Online Course: A step-by-step process for developing an online course.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions. I am here to help School of Nursing faculty in the course development process. If you are from another school, I can help put you in touch with the resource people in your area.
