“Effective course design needs a course design framework to follow, AND educators with knowledge in instructional design principles and the learning theory associated with it” (Morrison, 2013).
This one (online course design) is definitely pulling me out of my comfort zone. Follow-through is probably my biggest hurdle. I have tons of great ideas, but to get to the place where I can ring the bell and say that it has done has been an area that I do not do so well in. You see, it is the worry and distractions for me. Akin to this past weekend, as we made an unplanned trip to hike in North Texas. As usual, we started out excited to walk the multi-mile trail. Water in hand but left our sticks and backpacks at home. We were ready but not really prepared. Then, those all too familiar thoughts of the unknown crept in and the distracting silence.
This was a trail we had not yet researched, but we were in the city for other reasons and decided to get a good hike in. The area was beautiful and inviting, but… What if we encounter snakes (as a couple on the trail warned us)? What about that beautiful humongous deer I just saw run in hiding in the trees? Again, what about the snakes? We left that trail and went to a path more frequently traveled and where no real preparation was needed. A path where we were visible to others…just in case. It was easy and doable.
As I work through creating my online course, the article written by D. Morrison reminds me that framework matters. Research helps build that framework. Knowing what you are doing and how you are going to do it makes a difference. Which is what this class is preparing me for. As we dive into the articles, videos and sites, we are becoming more and more equipped for the path that lies ahead.
Understanding how others before you were able to conquer the path, brings about a bit of confidence for me. If I do not have the proper foundation (based on my research), then I will either give up, fail miserably or complete it with undue anxiety and I definitely do not have time for that. Some of my research has led me to understand that I will need an instructional plan, learning materials, activities, and assessments (Morrison, 2013) and it brings a bit of peace to my soul as I now have some type of guide to help me center my thoughts. It also helps knowing that someone, somewhere has been able to accomplish what I am setting out to do myself. Thinking of our last hiking adventure, I am sure that knowing about the potential inconveniences (snakes, backpacks with essentials and hiking sticks) would have better prepared us for what was going to lie ahead.
Success of learners (No snakes here)
As a teacher who loves real-world experiences which includes field trips and guest speakers, experiential learning will definitely be a driving force in the creation of my course. Virtual field trips and recordings of virtual guest speakers will replace what would have been the highlights of my face-to-face class.
Understanding that my learners may be experiencing some of the same feelings, it is important that I do all I can to provide a solid framework for them. Overloading with information can be good but can also be overwhelming.
I will need to find the correct balance since the students may not feel the same excitement about project management as I. Tony Bates states that you cannot pour old wine into a new bottle (Bates, 2016). Skilled teachers and lecturers should be skilled enough to adapt the lessons to accommodate their diverse learners (Bates, 2016). As I consider my framework, differentiation of lessons will be extremely important and will be considered in every step I take to make a great online lesson.
References:
Morrison, ~ D. (2013, December 9). How to design an excellent online course. Online Learning Insights. https://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2013/12/09/how-to-design-an-excellent-online-course/.
Bates, T. (2016). Teaching in a digital age: guidelines for designing teaching and learning. SFU Document Solutions.
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