Image Credit: P. Williams |
My online course I have developed is Microbiology. One reason is because I teach microbiology on a regular basis and it really is my passion. Another, because I am always looking for ways to improve that course and make it better in the online environment.
Switching Learning Management Systems
Image Credit: University of Oregon IT Department |
Image Credit: |
In essence, I have been using ADDIE for years. So, the development of my online courses have always been developed using ADDIE. I like the feel of moving through a set of steps to get to a desired outcome and then being able to evaluate how the design worked in the live setting. I also like that each time the ADDIE process is completed, I can redesign my courses using that model. This course development was no different. I merged ideas from my already developed courses in blackboard and used ADDIE to "redevelop" them in Canvas. This system has worked well for me and I will likely to continue to use this method throughout my future design processes.
The remaining parts of the blueprint were also helpful. It was really beneficial to put the learning outcomes in the blueprint document. It really helped me think through the design process. In fact, I have found ways of revamping my courses in the future using this "blueprint" approach. I think every time I redesign a course, I am going to use a blueprint to guide me in the process.
The Orientation / Start Here Area
Image Credit: P. Williams |
Something I learned about and added to my orientation and plan on adding to all my courses is videos and details of each of the different technology types that are used and instructions on using them throughout the course. While I always provided instructions, in this course, I decided to have more information and a page dedicated to each technology. It was like a help area that the students could look back on. Many times, students never revisit the orientation module because they are "finished" with it. In my redesign, I wanted to make sure students could see it as a module they could return to for help. I think my redesign of the orientation and the addition of the help and resources for each technology will help change students attitudes and perspectives on the orientation and its usefulness.
The Course
Image Credit: P. Williams |
In the image to the left, each image on the screen is a clickable button to take students to different areas and different modules. Overall, it does not add to the content material, but it does look a lot better. It could help guide students and could make them find the course visually appealing.
Other aspects of the design of the course were similar to what I already do. One difference in this design was getting used to a new learning management system. There were so many differences between how to create something in Canvas versus Blackboard. It was a little overwhelming. After some perseverance, I was able to get it completed. In the end, it was great to see what it looked like from the student perspective.
Wrap Up
In the end, I have gained a lot of new insight. Once big idea is that I need to start using a blueprint in the design process. While it takes a lot of time to plan out, in the end it can save time and help keep things organized. Also, my course changed some from my original blueprint, but I was able to use it to help guide me in the design process. The blueprint really helped me keep my thoughts together.I also learned how important it was to keep updating and modifying my courses to keep things from getting "dull". While I always update content and materials, this course helped me realize how important it is to make the course look interesting. Adding the perti dishes as clickable buttons for each module helped make the course look better while also giving me "new life" in the design process. It made it exciting for me again. I think that updating the "look" just as important as keeping content updated. We, as designers, must keep the passion alive and this really helped.
In the end, I gained a lot from this course and have a renewed excitement in the design process. Looking froward to what is ahead...
Patricia, I am glad that you found the blueprint component of this class so useful. Too often we know what we want to teach and view the blueprint as an unnecessary time absorber. I find it extremely useful to plan out my classes, and I think when I use a blueprint my classes are easier to follow and flow much better. The blueprint certainly reminds me to follow best practices in online teaching.
ReplyDeleteI suppose that now you can say on your resume or cover letter that you have created a course in Canvas…
Like you I struggled with the orientation module when I designed this course. I wanted everyone to think about the orientation/welcome/onboarding component of their online courses because it is so important, but often I don't design my own orientation – or finish my own orientation component – until I have finished designing the entire course. When we think about teaching face-to-face, however, we do go in on the first night of class and welcome students to the class and do a quick overview and basically do a face-to-face orientation module, so I feel as though there are some things we can plan out to include, and maybe just leave placeholders. For example, I know that I have to redo my syllabus video for each class, so I put a placeholder in Canvas that says "syllabus video to go here." I know that I need to redo my infographic for each class, so I also include a placeholder for it. Maybe part of the process for designing the orientation, then, is thinking ahead to all of what will I need to include for my students, then making a list from that to prepare.
Well done!