Online Learning

In this course, educators learn the foundational principles and elements of the instructional systems development process, from analysis through evaluation. They explore commonly used instructional design models, such as ADDIE, and they learn how to apply them in an education or training environment. They gain an understanding of the preliminary phases of instructional design models, such as writing instructional objectives and conducting analyses. Educators also focus on incorporating sound instructional strategies into the design and development of instructional systems and into the development of prototypes in real-world instructional settings.

Online education could be the driving force that transforms education and training practices in the 21st century. Through this lens, education professionals explore the current trends impacting the field of distance education and their implications for the design and development of distance-learning programs. They examine the different models, theories, and technologies used in the development and delivery of online education and training programs. They also explore the implications and considerations of designing instruction for blended, fully online, instructor-led, and self-paced learning environments.

Effective instruction in an online setting requires strategies that leverage the unique characteristics of distance learners and online environments. In this course, educators apply their knowledge of instructional design and distance learning to analyze, select, and design instructional strategies that are most effective for engaging and teaching online learners. They learn methods for managing and delivering online instruction, with the goal of integrating effective strategies with course management tools and multimedia technologies in synchronous and asynchronous environments.

Instructors are provided with the opportunity to reach beyond traditional practices and explore new ways of assessing student learning outcomes in the online environment. In this course, educators apply their knowledge of learning theory, assessment practices, and instructional design principles to the development of assessment strategies in online education and training environments. They review research and practical strategies for assessing student learning in synchronous and asynchronous environments.