Designing Your Course Online It appears normal but is it functional? The Design of Every Day Things by Donald Norman

Objectives Recognize new ideas for online course design Examine examples of design elements for online Question your current design elements Identify design principles for online content With the ultimate – future objective of having you: Design an engaging and successful online learning environment

Design Elements: Big Picture Objectives

Design Elements: Objectives Mode of Presentation Variety of Activities Transitions Assessment Feedback Building Community Organization or Structure

Objectives Help you… Revise Align Design Help students… Navigate Develops a pattern Learn in incriminates Success is measurable and seen!

Objectives at work In this unit you will: Understand the Hawaiian Cultural Values Understand how Process Pauahi exemplified these values in her life Integrate these values in your life

Understand the Hawaiian Cultural Values 1.Reading on Hawaii’s Reliance on the tourist industry 2.Video showing the impact of pollution on Waikiki’s beaches 3.Video demonstrating how Hawaiians embrace hospitality, compassion, humility, and generosity. 4.Article about the geological significance of Hawaii’s landscapes.

Understand the Hawaiian Cultural Values 1.Essay discussing the impact of values on the Hawaiin culture 2.Quiz identifying Hawaiian values 3.Discussion (or discussion board post) addressing how the cultural values have informed and shaped the Hawaiin culture

Design Strategies: The Theoretical Start from the “end” One size does not fit all Think interactivity not just delivery Chunk, chunk, chunk! This is NOT face to face

Design Strategies: The Practical Chunk into modules Do not clutter! (more is not better) Assignments should be self contained Use folders Consistent naming protocol Clear and easy topics and due dates Design contemporary

Organization & Structure 1.Clear 2.Short 3.Consistent 4.Easy or – rule 6.Manage the clicks 7.Manage the downloads

Consistent Naming

What does it mean to chunk? Self contained units Beginning, middle, and end Content is parsed into pieces to make a whole Doesn’t matter how you chunk Provides structure

To Chunk or Not to Chunk ?

Clutter Remember the 7 + or – rule! If it flashes, moves, jumps, or scrolls…it does NOT add to your content – it distracts. (custom animations not included)

Tips & Tricks: Summary  Chunk  Use names that are short and concise  Establish and use a repetitive name strategy  Choose words that clearly define what is what  When uploading documents – rename them  Due dates and content clues are essential in titles  Banners should be short…avoid scrolling to the essentials

Tips & Tricks: Summary Continued  Start with the end in mind  If it does not directly relate to your course work, don’t include it  Include a “Getting Started” section or “Orientation”  Use contemporary colors, fonts, and images  Foster Interaction  Require an introductory navigational activity to get familiar with your course

Most important!  When you are done…ask someone else to look at your course!

Example Courses  Visit this website for a list of a few online course examples: Examples Examples

Valuable Resources  Best Practices in Designing Online: La Positas College Best Practices in Designing Online: La Posita  Practical Real-World Tips for e-Learning Success blog Practical Real-World Tips for e-Learning Success  Georgia Southern U Online Course Design resource Georgia Southern U Online Course Design  Faculty Focus: 13 Strategies for Successful Web-based distance learning Faculty Focus: 13 Strategies for Successful Web-based  Quality Matters (CTL has copies of full rubric) Quality Matters

Do not ask: What do I have to teach?

Ask : What will you students have learned at the end? What will that look like?

You know what’s best!

Try something new!