1. Presented by Dr. Ellen McDonough & Dr. Kathleen Sullivan
Designing Online Learning to be More User-friendly for the Novice Online Student
Presented by Dr. Ellen McDonough & Dr. Kathleen Sullivan

2. Introduction Growth statistics Reasons for popularity First time
Online platforms
Set the tone for the course

3. Welcome e-mail Friendly and professional Informative
Contact information
Set course expectations
Academic
Technological

4. Conduct a short survey To determine: Learning style
Technological expertise
Online course experience
Traditional educational experiences

5. Survey cont. Synchronous availability Internet availability
Prior content knowledge
Content expectations
Synchronous availability
Internet availability
Platform

6. Course introduction Implement Best Practice Course designer
Facilitator

7. Best practice Clear concise directions
Procedures for posting questions
Introduction
Ice-breaker
Clear expectations
Office hours
Rubric
Writing requirements
Prompt feedback
Private inquiries when student is MIA

8. Ice-Breakers Open lines of communication Non-content related
Required but non-graded
Shared or discussion posting
Fun non-threatening
People orientated
Requires learner interaction

9. Ice-breaker activities
Introduce yourself
My favorite things
Scavenger hunt

10. Ice-breaker activities cont.
Discussion postings
My favorite websites
Deserted island
Classmate quiz

11. Group activities Benefits Start small Group selection process Norms
Instructor’s role

12. Group activity examples
Team communication plan
Group member responsibilities
Setting ground rules

13. Conclusion Utilize unique online environment Clear concise directions
Procedure for asking questions
Synchronous vs. asynchronous
Variety of activities
Include choices

14. References
Aranda, E. K., Aranda, L., & Conlon, K. (1998). Teams:
Structure, process, culture and politics. Upper Saddle River,
NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Conrad, Rita-Marie and Donaldson, J Ana. (2004). Engaging
the online learner. San Francisco, CA : Jossey Bass.
Elledge, R. L., & Phillips, S. L. (1994). Team building for the future: Beyond the basics. San Diego, CA: Pfeiffer & Co.

15. Greer, J. (2010, January 26). Study: online education continues its
meteoric growth. US News and World Report. Retrieved from education/2010/01/26/study-online-education- continues-its-meteoric-growth.html
Rosenburg, Marc J. (2001). E-learning strategies for delivering
knowledge in the digital age. New York et al: McGraw-Hill.
Watkins, Ryan. (2005). 75 e-Learning activities, making online
learning interactive. San Francisco CA: Pfeiffer.