This week we will discuss setting up the online learning experience. We will focus on tools, communication of clear expectations and other considerations to ponder.
The entire online learning experience is driven by the learner, however delivered by technology. As online instructors it is our responsibility to ensure that we are adept at the technological tools and provide clear effective communication. We must lead by example.
Let's talk course beginnings. Here we are setting up our presence. There are three types of online presence, these are social, cognitive and teaching.
Social presence is the instructor and learners getting to know one another, a building of rapport and trust and getting the community started.
Cognitive presence is gleaning an understanding of what the learners already know and how they know it. This sets the stage for their future learning experiences.
Teaching presence is the presentation of all course materials and how the course is monitored in order to enhance the learning experience.
Knowing that these three types of presence make up the foundation for effective beginnings, why will it be so essential to provide clear expectations to all learners?
Lets consider these situations....
1. An instructor does not provide clear expectations when incorporating an icebreaker, a welcome message or a request for learner information (such as previous online learning experience).
2. Course materials are unclear and the course syllabus is incomplete.
3. The instructor is a bit lax about replying to posts in Q & A and and did not provide welcome feedback to learners who posted introductions.
What would you see as the result of this poor communication of expectations?
Correct, a very poor beginning. The basic foundation of presence will not be achieved, learners may become frustrated and there may be attrition. It is imperative to set a strong foundation of presence in order to establish a safe, trusting, and collaborative learning experience for all.
Technology
As Instructional Design and Technology enthusiasts we all understand the importance of the technology we choose to utilize. Admit it, it is all very cool. So much out there and so little time to check it all out! A good approach would be KISS and I'm not talking Gene Simmons, I'm talking keep it simple sister/silly. The learning experience is about the learner. As instructors we need to ensure that we are adept and whatever technology we choose you utilize. Being knowledgeable and comfortable with the technology will enable the instructor to focus on the student's needs versus focusing on technological challenges.
Additional considerations
The Online Teaching Survival Guide does a great job in outlining technology resources, and steps for implementation. Specifically table 4.2 on page 59 for technology resources and tips on where in the process this technology may be implemented or utilized.
Other considerations may include...
The delivery setting i.e. corporate training vs education
Budgets
The course design and objectives
The culture of the organization, if corporate
Is the course mandatory... AKA attitudes of participants
Technical support availability
Number of times the facilitator has presented online course...experience
Can you think of other considerations we should be aware of? If so please do share a comment.
Here is a link to a great site that touches on other considerations when launching an online course. I hope you enjoy.
10-things-to-consider-before-your-e-learning-course-goes-live
Summary
The launch of any online learning course must be successful in order for the course to be successful. It is very difficult to bounce back from a poor first impression! Let's take a look at the ripple effect.
- The launch is riddled with poor communication and technical glitches.
- The learners miss out on the introductions and social presence is not established.
- The learners receive materials after the launch of the course.
- The instructor is busy trying to deal with technical issues and is not present when needed.
- The learners get frustrated.
- Several learners drop the course.
- The instructor's credibility is in question.
- The school/employer is demanding to know why and how the loss of revenue occurred.
- Students decide to take their classes with a different university OR your corporate learners do not enroll in anymore classes.
How can we as new online learning professionals ensure we do not fall victim to this fate? Here are a few suggestions...
- Be adept with the technology you choose to use.
- Be an effective communicator.
- Utilize templates, processes and project management plans to assist with time lines and implementation strategies.
- Establish a comprehensive outline with time frames and action steps for implementation.
- Utilize a checklist of tools, strategies and checks and balances.
- Recognize your experience level and keep is simple at first and work up to new technologies and techniques.
- Review the course before it goes live.
- Review and get feedback from learners.
Thank you for reading my blog. Watch for my week five post, when we will be discussing The Impact of Technology and Multimedia.
Bye for now,
Danielle Vermette, MA PHR
Resources:
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
- Chapter 4, "Phase One: What's Happening, Themes, and Tools: Starting Off on the Right Foot in Course Beginnings"
- Chapter 5, "Phase One: Tips for Course Beginnings"
Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2004). Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
- Chapter 4, "Learning to Use Online Tools"
- Chapter 5, "Online Icebreakers"
Walden media clips
"Online Learning Communities" Dr. Rena Palloff and Dr. Keith Pratt
"Launching the Online Learning Experience" Dr. Rena Palloff and Dr. Keith Pratt
Links
T, Kuhlmann, 10 Things to Consider before your e-learning Course Goes Live, retrieved from
http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/10-things-to-consider-before-your-e-learning-course-goes-live/
