{"id":320,"date":"2020-06-15T21:01:10","date_gmt":"2020-06-16T02:01:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/everylearnlive.wpengine.com\/?p=320"},"modified":"2021-08-11T08:48:05","modified_gmt":"2021-08-11T13:48:05","slug":"essential-resources-for-faculty-building-or-improving-online-courses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.everylearnereverywhere.org\/es\/blog\/essential-resources-for-faculty-building-or-improving-online-courses\/","title":{"rendered":"Essential Resources For Faculty Improving Online Courses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many college and university faculty found themselves suddenly taking their courses online in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 emergency. Out of necessity, many did that with the resources they could pull together on short notice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now they may be searching for resources for improving online courses. To assist that work, Every Learner Everywhere\u00ae and its partners recently published a comprehensive guide, <\/span>Optimizing High-Quality Digital Learning Experiences: A Playbook for Faculty<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

This resource\u00a0 is designed to guide faculty in <\/span>thinking and designing strategically to amplify the opportunities the online environment provides in both their digital spaces and physical classrooms<\/span>. <\/span>The playbook contains research, inspirational examples, practical guidance, and resource lists on improving online teaching practices that confront equity gaps for minoritized and poverty-affected students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Embedded in the playbook are references to several dozen resources and practical improvements on equity-centered and accessible design, flexible syllabi, engaging class activities, meaningful assessment, choosing technology, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here we highlight a selection of the resources recommended by Lynette M. O\u2019Keefe, Ph.D., Director, Research and Innovation at <\/span>Online Learning Consortium<\/span><\/a> (OLC) and a contributor to the playbook.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Illustration

Each section of the Faculty Playbook suggests practical ways to Design, Enhance, and Optimize elements of online courses.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cOur resources are built on research and best practices,\u201d she says. \u201cThey are primarily geared toward online instruction, but they\u2019re just as applicable to blended learning. Even instructors teaching face to face, or hyflex courses, may find something useful in these. They speak to ways to engage students whether that\u2019s in a classroom or online.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Resources for course design principles<\/b><\/h2>\n

Apply backward course design:<\/b> In backward course design, you begin by identifying desired results. ASCD, a professional association for educators, <\/span>summarizes backward course design in a helpful infographic<\/span><\/a>. A more comprehensive discussion of it is included in the playbook.<\/span><\/p>\n

Apply basic quality standards:<\/b> A plan to evaluate the quality of your online courses is essential. OLC offers a free <\/span>course-level quality rubric<\/span><\/a> that incorporates 50 instructional design and accessibility standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Triangle

Credit: Eberly Center, Carnegie Mellon Center<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Use measurable outcomes:<\/b> The Eberly Center at Carnegie Mellon University has several resources on course design. This page on <\/span>designing and teaching a course<\/span><\/a> offers guidance for creating student-centered course design. Their three-point model encourages iteratively improving learning objectives, instructional activities, and assessments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Apply effective principles: <\/b>The Carnegie Mellon Eberly Center also provides a useful summary to <\/span>seven core principles that make teaching more effective<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Use multiple modes of learning: <\/b>Online courses should use multiple modes of learning to support different learning styles. The ION Professional eLearning Program at University of Illinois Springfield suggests several <\/span>instructional strategies to build into online courses<\/span><\/a>, such as panels, symposia, projects, and self-directed learning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Design for all students: <\/b>Consider web accessibility and usability when designing online courses.<\/span><\/p>\n