Please note: refer to the Online Learning Design and
Delivery Certificate in AC Online for the facilitated, credentialed program.
I - Online Learning Theories
As a designer of online courses, your fundamental objective is to create quality learning experiences. Whether you are working in higher learning, corporate training, government, instructional design, or you are self-employed, you need to make sure the courses you develop are meaningful, relevant and engaging. To achieve this aim, it is essential for you to understand the characteristics of adult learners as well their preferred learning styles. Module 1 introduces you to these foundational elements so you can begin to strengthen your ability to apply them in your own professional context. In addition to discovering how adult learning styles and characteristics are necessary for creating a robust online course, you will be introduced to your first learning theory.
An examination of adult learning theories will expose you to different perspectives on how to support the planning, development, and delivery stages of your course. This module also introduces you to the principles of adult learning and theory, with a special focus on andragogy - the art and science of adult learning. Designing online learning experiences grounded in adult learning theory will help you optimize learning outcomes and make better design choices that are tailored to diverse adult learners.
II - Developing Online Course Content
Developing effective online course content is essential for learner success. When a course is pedagogically sound and created using online design principles and learner engagement strategies, it boosts the overall learning experience. In EDU2001 you learned that a high-quality online course must:
- accommodate diverse learner needs and styles
- link theory with practice
- be developed using a learning design model
- make use of a variety of media tools to enhance learner engagement
- be interactive
- promote accessibility and inclusivity
- employ the universal design for learning (UDL) framework
- offer flexible engagement opportunities so learners can have a more customized experience
Therefore, your approach to developing successful online course content must foster the learner’s active role in the learning process. This module builds on your existing knowledge of learning theory which will be used to leverage your talent for developing engaging online course content.
III - Online Course Delivery
Facilitating online courses is a practice that requires the knowledge and skills of proven strategies to promote active learning. Learning is a social activity, so it is important learners feel supported through a consistent social, teaching, and cognitive presence. Module 1 introduces you to the fundamentals of online course delivery by exploring your role as a facilitator. Further, you will examine best practices for becoming a reflective, engaged facilitator who can build positive rapport with learners using various tools and instructional strategies.
IV - Evaluation Essentials
One of the first steps you took when you started to design your course was to formulate learning outcomes. Now that you have established those outcomes, it is important to find out whether learners are achieving them. This is where assessment and evaluation come in. Module 1 explains the differences and similarities between assessment evaluation – both of which use criteria, certain measures, and are evidence-driven for the purpose of improving learning. You will also learn the principles of good assessment, such as reliability and validity, as well as the importance of engaging in continuous feedback with learning throughout a course or training event.
