Three Practical Factors in Planning an Online Course

The three things that I would consider of utmost importance:

1. Developing an intentional course culture

   1. What this means: This would involve what students are expected to do, when they are expected to do it and how.

   2. Why it’s important: Given the importance of student interactions both with each other and with the instructor, it’s important that everyone has clear expectations.

2. Develop an engagement strategy

   1. What this means: This involves figuring out how and when students are supposed to contact the instructor and each other.

   2. Why it’s important: Student success or failure and experience of the course can be closely linked to their engagement. Hopefully students will feel that they were able to get help when they needed it, that their interactions with each other were safe and that their input is important and valued.

3. Develop a clear and consistent format to present all assessment opportunities

   1. What this means: Having a clear rubric for all assessments, and having a consistent format for this rubric.

   2. Why it’s important: At the post secondary level, students are going to be very invested in their grades. Being clear and consistent in how their assignments are presented can help alleviate their anxiety upfront and prevent frustration and re-grading after the fact.