Sunday, June 23, 2013

Converting to a Distance Learning Format Comprehensive Checklist and References List


Below are three checklists and some additional resources to help you as you begin your journey as an online instructor.

Designing Instruction Checklist


Determine learning goals and expectations (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Create a preliminary timeline, flowchart, or storyboard outlining the flow of the course (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Plan methods by which you will provide timely, systematic and specific evaluation and feedback (Morrison, 2007).


Become aware of copyright and privacy laws prior to creating, enhancing, initiating, and facilitating your online classroom (Smith Nash, 2005).


Plan for authentic assessment that includes creative, non-linear responses to discussion questions and assignments such as advance organizers, blogs, prezis, or other web 2.0 tools (Lim, 2004, p. 18) (Dede, 2005) (Mertler, 2001) (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Plan for learner collaboration, perhaps using a wiki or skype (Mertler, 2001) (Dede, 2005) (Moller, 2008) (Skype, 2013).


Plan for learner discussion, perhaps using an online discussion board (Mertler, 2001) (Dede, 2005) (Moller, 2008).


Plan to provide learners with extra resources to help them use web 2.0 tools (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Plan to provide learners with tips on how to be a successful online learner (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


As you structure the online environment, be sure to plan to give specific instructions on the flow of the course.  Learners should never feel lost (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Beta test: test, test, and retest before your course goes live (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Facilitating Instruction Checklist


Communicate learning goals and expectations in multiple locations, in multiple formats, and at multiple times throughout the course (Simonson, et. al., 2012) (Allen, et. al., 2007).


Provide rubrics and examples alongside any and all learning activities (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Keep learners active by encouraging them to communicate effectively and frequently (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Keep learners learning deeply by providing timely, systematic and specific evaluation and feedback (Morrison, 2007).


Provide learners with accountability through participating in discussion boards, sending emails, and otherwise encouraging your students (Smith Nash, 2005).


Create an online community learning environment by offering opportunities for the you to get to know your learners, for the learners to get to know you, and for the learners to get to know each other (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Make yourself available to the learners to answer questions and to help with technology issues (Simonson, et. al., 2012).

Assess Instruction and Learning


Plan for authentic assessment that includes creative, non-linear responses to discussion questions and assignments such as advance organizers, blogs, prezis, or other web 2.0 tools (Lim, 2004, p. 18) (Dede, 2005) (Mertler, 2001) (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Keep learners learning deeply by providing timely, systematic and specific evaluation and feedback (Morrison, 2007).


Incorporate an end of course reflection (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


Incorporate an end of course evaluation or survey (Simonson, et. al., 2012).


If possible, incorporate a reflection, evaluation, and/or survey for learners to complete 3 months to a year after the course has been completed (Simonson, et. al., 2012). 


Additional Resources

Follow this link to an inspirational video outlining the importance of encouraging creativity during instruction.

Follow this link to find ideas on engaging students using online chats, discussions, and blogs.

Follow this link to hear a TED talk given by a Stanford professor who decided to teach his Artificial Intelligence course in an open source online format.


References
Allen, I.E., Seaman, J., & Garrett, R. (2007). Blending in: The extent and promise of blended education in the United States.  Sloan-C. Retrieved from: sloanconsortium.org/publications/survey/pdf/Blending_In.pdf‎Dede, C. (2005). Planning for neomillennial learning styles. Educause Quarterly, 28(1), 7–12.
Gilbert, E. (2013).  Your elusive creative genius.  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86x-u-tz0MA
Lim, C. P. (2004). Engaging learners in online learning environments. TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 48(4), 16–23.
Mertler, C. A. (2001). Designing scoring rubrics for your classroom. Practical Assessment, Research, & Evaluation, 7(25). Retrieved from http://pareonline.net/getvn.asp?v=7&n=25

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2: Higher education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70.
Morrison, G. R., Ross, S. M., Kalman, H. K., & Kemp, J. E. (2007). Designing effective instruction (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Norvig, P. (2012). The 100,000 student classroom. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYclUdcsdeo
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
Skype. (2013). Teachinghistory.org. Retrieved May 25, 2013, from http://teachinghistory.org/digital-classroom/tech-for-teachers/23569
Smith Nash, S. (2005). Learning objects, learning object repositories, and learning theory: preliminary best practices for online courses. Interdisciplinary Journal of Knowledge and Learning Objects, 1. Retrieved from http://www.ijello.org/Volume1/v1p217-228Nash.pdf



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