Course
Design
Effective online course development begins, like any sound course development,
with the application of curriculum design principles. Even though an in depth
look at instructional design is beyond the scope of this course, attention
to design will go a long way to helping you develop effective web based learning
materials.
Faculty who have participated in the
WIDS curriculum
development workshops seem to more readily adapt their course experiences and
materials to the online environment.
Those of you who are confident with curriculum design may want to
skip this section.
Would you like to
try this self assessment to check your knowledge related to instructional
or curriculum design?
(This self assessment, which required no technical knowledge, was created
at a web site called Quia. If you would like more information about it,
please let me know.)
For those who would like a refresher on instructional design, the
following information is provided:
Definition for
Instructional Design
Instructional Design is a systematic approach to the design, production,
evaluation, and utilization of complete systems of instruction.
(Source: Ameritech Faculty Development Technology Program)
The following Dick and Carey model is often sited when considering course development. This model has been adapted to include online considerations.
ADDIE Instructional Design Model
| Analyze | Who are the learners and what are their needs? Learner Characteristics Age, background, culture, educational background, knowledge related to topic, computer literacy, access to technology, work related experience What do the learners need to know? Advisory committees, widespread community/industry consultation |
| Design | Is the course
suitable for online delivery? Create program or course learning outcomes Core concepts Sequencing of courses, concepts |
| Develop | What learning activities will be developed? How and when will learners be assessed? Types of communication with students Resources, learning materials, experiences How will students engage in active learning? Accommodate variety in learning styles Communication and student feedback Create learning communities |
| Implement | |
| Evaluate | Evaluate the course or program Student success, feedback, external evaluator feedback Focus on: • Organization of online materials • Transitions between learning points • Clear explanations • Multiple representations of ideas text, images, audio • Student participation and feedback |
Dig Deeper
Would you like more resources for
Instructional Design?
Try these sites for a good overview of Instructional Design components
and principles.
Design
Principles for Online Instruction
This site from Florida Gulf Coast University
provides a mini-tutorial on Instructional Design.
Illinois Online Network - Instructional Design
http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/id/index.asp
This site addresses design principles for online course development
Fink's Five Principles of Good Course Design
http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/finks5.htm
Fink's site provides 5 quick checks you can do to ensure you have
incorporated good design principles.