Blog Assignment: Setting up an Online Learning Experience

 When setting up an online learning experience, there are several components that instructional

 designers and facilitators must ensure are in place at the beginning of a course. 

Technology

The primary purpose of technology used for online learning is communication (Simonson et al., 2019). Technology allows students to interact with the teacher and other students, which is a vital part of online learning communities (Walden University, 2010a).  Facilitators are expected to know the software they are using to conduct the course, communicate with students, and provide support when needed.  Software training is required (Walden University, n.d.) to ensure the course flows with little to no interruptions during the teaching and learning process.   Knowing how to navigate the Learning Management System (LMS), the discussion boards, and any computer-based activities allow facilitators to plan effectively and be ready for any sudden changes that may need to take place.

Clear Expectations

Learners can access online learning at any time, and they may expect that instructors will also be available whenever needed (Boettcher & Conrad, 2016).  Setting clear expectations for assignments and discussion lets learners know what to expect and allows facilitators to have room for other aspects of their lives.  How often learners should post in discussions and assignment rubrics are examples of expectations that should be written and accessible to students at any time.   

Other Considerations

There are so many other elements of online learning to consider when setting up a course.  If facilitating the course, lesson plans must be written and rehearsed before implementation (Walden University, n.d.).  Lesson plans also help identify the resources needed for the course, such as textbooks, icebreakers, assessments, and other activities. Creating lesson plans will improve the instructor’s focus on the course objectives and execute the course according to the needs of the students. 

Conclusion

Setting up a successful online course requires attention to detail. The chosen technology should be practiced, lesson plans should be rehearsed, and expectations set in preparation for the learners.

 

References

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

Simonson, M., Zvacek, S., & Smaldino, S. (2019). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (7th ed.) Information Age Publishing.

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (n.d.). Facilitating online learning [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2010b). Online learning communities [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu