Aspects to Consider for Online Instruction

 Aspects to Consider for Online Instruction

When instructional designers prepare and collaborate with instructors and sometimes System Matter Experts (SME), they must consider the technology available to the learners. When building a course for online learning, technology plays a vital role in how everyone will communicate their interests, learning, and understanding of the course material. Sticking to an intuitive layout that the facilitator and students can easily navigate to communicate is vital so that all involved do not feel frustrated and disconnected. Dr. Richard Mayer advocates that an efficient and effective instructional designer understands that technology should adapt to how people learn rather than people adapting to technology (Walden, n.d).  Creating a space to learn about your students and their abilities to access and navigate the technologies required for the course is an excellent first step in setting up an online learning environment (Walden, n.d).

 

What is the significance of knowing the technology available to you?

Since online courses are essentially websites, accessing different online resources quickly has changed how people learn. Developing an online course is time-consuming, but ensuring learners and instructors know the technology they will access is as crucial as aligning the curriculum with the activities to be conducted (Walden, n.d). Understanding the role of technology in a course, the content, directions, and plans for student interaction, assessment, and experiences should ideally be present in the course management system a week before the course launch (Boettcher and Conrad,(2016). Becoming independent and knowing the technology takes practice. When launching the learning community, it is recommended to have resources for learners to use to solve any technology issues, such as providing step-by-step instructions on how to post assignments. Doing this before launching allows learners and the facilitator to work out any kinks that will hinder the course from running smoothly. Instructors must make sure that accessibility to the course's materials and resources is guaranteed for all learners (Rapanta, 2021). Designers need to catch all their mistakes in the instructional design process (Walden, n.d). An alpha test involves internal staff reviewing the course thoroughly, and even then, mistakes can be missed, or, for example, a video from an external source may no longer be available after the course has launched. Giving someone access to information does not mean they will know anything; they have to be able to manage the information and then demonstrate their understanding.

 

Why is it essential to communicate clear expectations to learners?

Instructor expectations should be tied closely to the institution's expectations because the teacher's expectations can affect the learner's achievement and attitude within a course. There is a strong correlation between teacher expectations and student outcomes (Walden, n.d). Most researchers have concluded that teacher expectations are not generally formed based on "false conceptions" but on the best information available about the students (Good, 1987). Good (1987) continues to explain that sustaining expectations can affect and limit students' learning and self-concept development. Setting clear expectations for learners from the start of an online learning course will require efforts on many fronts. Helping students better regulate their learning through practical techniques should be evident at the beginning of an online course. Setting clear expectations from the onset reduces the risk of dealing with problematic behavior and maintaining a safe and effective learning environment (Walden, n.d). 

What additional considerations should the instructor take into account when setting up an online learning experience?

Instructors must consider pedagogical principles when setting up a meaningful online learning experience. While there is no best pedagogy to suit all online courses, instructors must choose what will work best for them as a guide in their technology-enhanced online classroom. Instructors can draw from traditional and current research about how people learn. Boettcher (2007) presents a fourfold framework that delineates the respective roles of the learner, the faculty-mentor, the knowledge and content of instruction, and the environment in which learning occurs. Boettcher (2007) suggests ways in which online technology can help educators create learning environments that respect students' individual needs, foster collaboration, and promote deeper, sustained levels of engagement with the course content. Instructors must remember that what makes you a good instructor does not necessarily translate to good pedagogy in an online learning environment. To cultivate and promote success, instructors should follow guidelines to cultivate enhanced learning potential in all students.  

Creating an online course is complex. Understanding that the learner is at the center of all you do as an instructor will lead you to exercise best practices and bring a human aspect to the course. It is no secret that traditional education is changing. However, quality education remains a priority. Clearly understanding the expectations within the course, accessing and utilizing the technology used in the course, as well as the learner's needs and academic goals being met, should all be considered when setting up an online learning experience. 

Reference

Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2016). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips (2nd ed.).San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Boettcher, J.V. (2007). Ten Core Principles for Designing Effective Learning Environments: Insights from Brain Research and Pedagogical Theory. Innovate: Journal of Online Education, 3(3),. Retrieved January 26, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/171446/.

Good, T.L. "Two Decades of Research on Teacher Expectations: Findings and Future Directions." JOURNAL OF TEACHER EDUCATION 38 (1987): 32-47.

Rapanta, C. (2021, October 6). A guide to effective digital course design and delivery from four online teaching experts. THE Campus Learn, Share, Connect. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/four-online-teaching-experts-effective-digital-course-design-and-implementation 

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2010). Launching the online learning experience [Video file]. 

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (n.d.).Developing online courses [Video file]. Retrieved from https://waldenu.instructure.com.

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (n.d.). Planning and designing online courses [Video file]. Retrieved from https://waldenu.instructure.com.

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2010d). Technology-centered vs. learner-centered instruction [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: