1. Effective Online Course Development By Dr. Rena Palloff and Dr. Keith Pratt

2. Elements of a High Quality Course or Program Community Effective Virtual Student Effective Online Facilitator Effective Course Design Effective Student Support Access to Technology Open Communicates effectively in text Committed Critical thinker Reflective Flexible Open Honest Responsive Respectful Flexible Empowering Present Fits with the curriculum Learner focused Accessible Relevant content Collaborative Interactive Small group size Cohesive Addresses learning styles and culture Technical support and training Learner centered Offers advising, library services, registration, book store, and records

3. What Online Learners Want! Clear instructions about course expectations and for completing assignments A high level of instructor interaction A reasonable load in terms of the amount of reading, posting, and e-mails required Reassurance that the idea they are posting are on track

4. What Online Learners Want! Prompt, unambiguous feedback An orientation to the technology in use Technical support

5. Instructional Techniques to Support Online Learners Use only technology that serves the learning objectives Keep it simple Web pages designed with one screen of text and graphics Limited use of audio and video

6. Instructional Techniques to Support Online Learners Judicious use of synchronous media Use of introductions, profiles, and bios Use of ice breaker activities at the beginning Use of experience-based exercises and activities Use of a social area in the course

7. Instructional Techniques to Support Online Learners Post guidelines for communication, including netiquette Model good communication Follow up with non-participants Post clear expectations about posting requirements, timelines, and assignments

8. Instructional Techniques to Support Online Learners Ask open-ended questions to stimulate discussion and encourage reflection Include case studies, small group work, jigsaw activities, simulations, and rotated facilitation to stimulate critical thinking Vary course activities to address multiple learning styles, to keep things interesting, and to vary the approach to the topic Include the Internet as a teaching tool and resource

9. Best Practices in Online Teaching Understand who our students are Understand how our students learn Be aware of the issues that affect their lives and how they bring these to an online classroom Understand what they need and provide support

10. Best Practices in Online Teaching Assist them in becoming reflective practitioners Find a way to involve them in course design and assessment Respect their rights as learners and their role in the learning process Develop courses and programs with an eye toward quality improvement

11. To Enable Best Practices! The balance of power needs to change The function of the content needs to change The role of the instructor needs to change The responsibility for learning needs to change The purpose and process of evaluation needs to change