Planning Considerations for

Distance Learning
DRAFT
 Introduction
• Many steps are the same as traditional course
– Clear learning objectives
– Good intro
– Solid planning
• The differences are what will truly make your
course effective
– Understand media types
– Facilitating between students and material
 Definition
• What is “Distance learning”
– Offering services to students not physically
present
– Instruction, support, or both
• What it is not
– Taped lectures or power points
– Correspondence style (here is a book, read it and
take the test)
 Mission and Curriculum
• Ensure training is within mission
– Clear policies
– Same high standards as resident courses
• Curriculum
– Sufficient material to facilitate learning
– Depth of knowledge
 Concerns for Students
• Does the method reinforce the material?
– Will I learn?
– Can I finish?
• What are the outcomes?
– Required training?
– Professional development?
• What is expected of me?
– Commitment?
– Skillset
 Planning Distance Learning
• Clear objectives
• Instructional design
• Course introduction
• Focus on lesson plans
 Write Clear Learning Objectives
• Written statements of what you want your
students to learn
• Express what you want your students to know
or do
• Framework for the entire course
• Guide course development
• Advance preparation is key
 Learning Objectives (cont.)
• Brainstorm a list of tasks
– Brief, clear, concise
– Maintain subject purity
• Describe conditions and standards
– Observable and measureable
• Assessment
– What is the intent of your instruction?
– Measures of performance
– Measures of effectiveness
 Instructional Design
• Adhere to the tenets of instructional design
• Profession in itself but there are key concepts
– Gain the learner’s attention
– Ensure the vocabulary is clear
– Adapt content, don’t just move from classroom to
courseware
– Integrate knowledge using participation, cueing
(clues) and elicit recall feedback
– Assess learning
 Course Introduction
• Provides initial introduction between students
and instructors
– Exchange of contact info
– Exchange of bio sketch for familiarity and interaction
• States clearly what to expect
• Contains an introductory statement and
motivator for students
• Provides a schedule for completion (specifies
deadlines)
 Lesson Plans
• Heart of your course
• Easy to follow lessons with interesting
assignments
• Components should include
– Objectives
– Assignments
• Reading, viewing, listening
• Written or projects
– Key terms
– Discussion area
– Summary and evaluation
 Summary
• Definition
• Mission
• Concerns
• Planning
– Learning objectives
– Instructional design
– Introduction
– Lesson Plans