45 Minutes to a Better Online Course

Michael Weston

St. Edward’s University

So, what makes a course “better”?

• Learning outcomes?

• Higher scores on student evaluations?

• Student retention?

• Student satisfaction?

• Fun?

Nope!

These are the RESULTS of a “better” course:

• Measureable increase in learning outcomes

• Higher scores on student evaluations

• Improved student retention in program

• Students communicate their satisfaction

• More Fun

What makes a course “better”?

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Three ideas Eight ideas Twelve ideas 14 ideas!

It starts with pedagogically sound ideas:

Ideas

14 Ideas that you can implement right now

• Common sense

• Pedagogically sound

• Research supported

• Easy to implement

• Get results!

1. Add a Welcome Message

2. Orientation

3. Diversity of Content

4. Modularize (aka ‘chunk’)

5. Group Activity

6. Challenge Them

7. Self-Reflection

8. Enthusiasm trumps polish

9. Guide/Side or Sage/Stage?

10. Get to know your students

11. Individualized Encouragement

12. Prompt Feedback

13. Email or Call Drop-offs

14. Forgive