Criteria for Putting Content Into Online Courses

Online courses allow students to study whenever and wherever they choose.

The Online Education Database currently lists over 1,000 online programs available through 83 accredited universities and colleges. There are thousands of credit and non-credit courses available on almost any subject you choose. Online courses give students total flexibility of time and location.

What Makes a Good Online Course?

A well-designed course includes an easily-navigable website, clearly articulated learning goals, discussion forum, contact information for the instructor as well as timely feedback to students. The content should be enhanced by technology and designed to foster collaboration and participation.

Online Courses Within Organizations

Sometimes organizations want to offer online training to their employees. The same criteria apply to designing such a course. Mindflash.com offers a template for creating self-paced courses which you can use for a free, 30-day trial.

Best Universities

Best Universities has a comprehensive site offering guides and resources to online learning tools. The site provides links to learning management systems, including Moodle, Blackboard Learn, and ATutor, among others. There are links to articles about course development, putting your course online, and teaching an online course. There are also links to how-to videos so you can see exactly how to go about using the suggested tools.

References

• Online Education Database
• Designing Courses: Instructional Design for Online Learning
• Mindflash.com
• Best Universities

Resources

• Online Education Database
• Designing Courses: Instructional Design for Online Learning
• Mindflash.com
• Best Universities