Creating Distance Learning Courses
Course Introduction, Part 2
Activities and Assignments
In addition to this overview, there are five lessons in this course and links to two threaded discussion forums. Each lesson requires you to read print or electronic materials available online and do an activity related to that subject. Topics are:
Lesson
One: The Dynamics of Teaching and Learning at a Distance
In this introduction to distance learning you'll be discovering more about
the unique dynamics of teaching and learning at a distance, reviewing
the characteristics of distance learning students at the UW and elsewhere,
and considering some national standards for the creation of effective
coursework. You'll also be using an electronic discussion forum to post
information about yourself and your preliminary reactions to what you've
reviewed.
Lesson
Two: The Instructional Design Process
In this lesson you will learn about two different approaches to the organization
of instruction—behaviorism and constructivism - and the effects of
adopting one of these approaches on the content and structure of a distance
learning course. You will also explore how the instructional design process
for developing distance learning courses differs from the process of developing
instruction for the classroom. And you will experience a short, online
multimedia lecture.
Lesson
Three: Using Technology to Encourage Communication
In this lesson you will learn about different types of academic discussions
and their varying formats. You'll also begin thinking about the appropriateness
of each for your subject and learners.
Lesson
Four: Using Technology for Collaboration and Feedback
In this lesson you will be exploring electronic tools for collaboration
and feedback. Frequent interaction and prompt and effective feedback are
important to the continuing motivation of distance learners. They also
assist learners in judging their accomplishment of course objectives.
Lesson
Five: Using Technology to Assess Learning
In this lesson you will be exploring the assessment of distance learners,
including purposes, methods, and special considerations. You'll also be
using the Catalyst tool WebQ for generating electronic
tests and quizzes.
Course
Schedule
The
schedule of events for our work today can be found here.
Assessments
As
this is an exploratory workshop of limited duration, assessment will be
informal. You will demonstrate your understanding of key concepts and
acquisition of procedural skills by:
- posting messages to the course discussion forums;
- adding your comments and edits to an online article; and
- expressing your opinions in an electronic poll.
You are expected to complete all assignments. While they are ungraded, course instructors and a mentor faculty member will respond to these submissions, answer your questions, and give you feedback on your progress. Summative evaluation includes a short quiz at the completion of Lesson Five.
Hints on How to Study
|
Study
QuestionSpend 5-10 minutes reviewing the narrative material in each lesson, then go to the activity. Be careful not to spend too much time pursuing Web links outside the course site. In general these links are provided as resources for you to use as needed and are not intended for detailed examination.
Each assignment should take between 10 - 20 minutes to do. Ask for assistance from an instructor if you find yourself taking more time than this. Don't spend more than 15 minutes trying to troubleshoot a technology problem. Instead contact your instructor, the Catalyst staff (catalyst@u.washington.edu), or the UW Online helpdesk (distance@u.washington.edu).
Take the
time to do the study questions where they are provided. They are designed
to assist you in gauging your progress and applying your knowledge.
Frequently
Asked Questions
One
of the objectives of this workshop is to give you some of the knowledge
and resources you need to begin work on your own course. Part of this
work is knowing the Distance Learning procedures and policies of the University
of Washington. This Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ) file answers some of the administrative questions, including outlining
the roles in the process played by Catalyst and Educational Outreach.
Proceed
to: Lesson One
