Establishing A System for Evaluating Online Learning

There are many different things that need to be considered when establishing an online learning course. One of those key concepts is making sure there has been a relationship established amongst the students and instructors. They need to be able to communicate with others to receive feedback and provide important input on assignments. Students and instructors need to feel that there is still a relationship with other individuals while working online. When it comes to evaluating an online learning course there are multiple components that need to be considered in order to make it a highly functioning course.

Here are my top ten components that I would be looking at when considering setting up an online learning course within our district.

Top Ten Elements for Evaluating Online Learning

Content is aligned with the Common Core Standards

Making sure content is aligned with the Common Core Standards is critical to student and teacher success. If the content is aligned to the standards students will be able to learn from meaningful lessons that are created. It is also important to follow the standards because it is something that teachers are evaluated on based on how well they implement them in the classroom.

The instructional material is current

It’s important that what is being taught is current. Technology is always changing and evolving and it is important to keep with what is currently being circulated. The material that is being presented also needs to be kept current primarily because it should be aligned with the Common Core.

The course content encourages students to be actively engaged in their learning

There are many different ways an instructor could make the content engaging and interesting to students. Videos, games, badges, etc. are just a few things that can keep students interested in what they are learning. Students could also create videos themselves that address current concepts and can teach their peers. Instructors can provide the opportunity for students to have live discussions and a community where they can generate feedback with their peers on assignments.

Integration of technology

The integration of technology is important because ultimately that’s what is going to help our students become more successful. The types of technology, programs, and various experiences these students use will help them as they continue their education and prepare for their future. It’s important for these students to gain knowledge of a variety of types of technology because they need to be well rounded when moving into an occupation.

Course introduction

A course introduction is necessary because it provides students with the opportunity to see the outcome of the objectives that have been established. This can come in many forms so students can see what is required of them and what their finished product should look like. It is also necessary to show students how to navigate the course and use the material provided.

The content included are rigorous and contain depth and breadth to address the standards being taught

Content should be aligned with the standards and require students to tap into their critical thinking skills in order to complete the assignment. Students need to think above what is expected for them to be successful. The content should be challenging, but not to the point of severe frustration.

Readability levels, written language requirements and mathematical requirements are appropriate for course content and grade-level expectations

This is extremely important and can vary throughout the district depending on what level it is being incorporated. This can be much more challenging with students of a younger age due to the fact that they don’t have as much of a developed vocabulary yet. Proper word choice and vocabulary selection are going to be key to a student’s success.

Clear and consistent navigation is present throughout the course

This is another important feature and one that can vary throughout the grades depending on the age and level of the students. The younger the student the more easily the navigation should be for them. Through the use of microlecutres and other types of audio or video students have the capability to watch instructions as many times as needed in order to understand how to complete something. The layout should be user friendly and appealing to the eye.

Course and content is designed to promote student success

This is basically tied into many of the previous elements that I have mentioned above. If the content is aligned with the Common Core, grade level appropriate, implementation of technology and clear navigation will help the student be more successful.

Accessibility

These devices and internet capabilities need to be accessible to kids everyday so they have enough opportunity to develop their skills. Also information needs to be presentable for students to understand. It is easy for them to access without hassle.

Works Cited:

National Standards for Quality Online Courses. (2011, October 1). Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://www.inacol.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/iNACOL_CourseStandards_2011.pdf