Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2014

Publication Title

2014 ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings

Pages

1-7

Conference Name

2014 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Indianapolis, Indiana, June 15-18, 2014

Abstract

Old Dominion University's Civil Engineering Technology (CET) program has a successful history of distance education, with more than half of the student population comprised of distance learners. Distance learning delivery has traditionally been via satellite and videostreaming with students having the choice of asynchronous or synchronous options. The university is in the process of updating their distance learning technologies and has encouraged programs to migrate to an online modality of distance learning. Developing and delivering online courses requires different competencies and facilitation skills than video streamed synchronous delivery or face to face instruction. A course delivered online changes the teaching and learning dynamics. Courses must be learner-centered with a learning environment that addresses the new roles of the student and instructor. The instructor needs to get to know the students, and empower students to manage their learning experience while creating an online community among the students. The instructor takes on the role of a facilitator of learning, and students must take a more active role in the learning process. Students must be self-motivated, self-disciplined and willing to take ownership of their learning. The course content and layout are critical to successful student engagement and interaction with the instructor, the material, and with other students. Online courses must be developed for longevity, separated from a text that can be revised soon after the online course is launched. Course modules, focused on course topics, should use multiple resources, readings, mini-lectures, assignments, online quizzes, discussion boards, web links, and others, to achieve learning outcomes. As more programs move to online courses, understanding effective strategies for planning, designing and facilitating these courses becomes critical to success.

Comments

© 2014 American Society for Engineering Education, ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings, Indianapolis, Indiana, June 15-18, 2014.

Original Publication Citation

Considine, C. L., Seek, M. W., & Lester, J. (2014). Strategies for effective online course development. Paper presented at the 2014 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Indianapolis, Indiana.

ORCID

0000-0002-9137-8222 (Seek)

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