12b – Virtual Campus

Here we intend to guide you through the total process of design, development and delivery of the learning experiences. You will be guided through the various elements of a module that is developed on an e-learning platform. We will use examples from modules developed on CANVAS and throughout, you will be prompted to develop your own online module as we go through the process. You will also be introduced to a suitable online module quality assessment rubric

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN CRITERIA ONE

We will be looking at 5 specific criteria in the process of developing a well grounded e-learning module.
Learning objectives will explicitly state what the students should be able to do at the end of completing each lesson or module.

CRITERIA1 – Compulsory Elements in Any Online Module

When you lay the structure for your online module for transaction, you have to ensure that your students will be able to get easy access to some very specific and mandatory information. How you ensure this will decide to a large extent the ease with which students can interact with the LMS. So list each one by one.

CRITERIA 1.1 – Accessible and Current Module Outline

CRITERIA 1.2 -Program Goal and Objectives

CRITERIA 1.3

CRITERIA 1.4

CRITERIA 1.5

Lecturer Contact Information, Availability, and Timing of Lecturer Response

Insert a detailed description of the reading material expected for the course. Enter the complete textbook citation, including the ISBN and information about where students can buy or access the text. Include a picture if possible as well as relevant options such as electronic versions or required supplemental tools like CDs or publisher website keys that might be required.
Supply a description of any special course requirements, such as knowledge of specific software, and why it is necessary for successful completion of the course. Include software required to access course material or submit assignments such as Microsoft Word, SPSS, etc. Also include any hardware requirements for the course such as cameras, lab equipment, etc.

CRITERIA 1.6

Lecturer Contact Information, Availability, and Timing of Lecturer Response

Information about such as how assignments should be submitted, in what format, and using what tool or method
Information such as how quality will be assessed, what feedback can be expected, and how and when such feedback can be accessed.
Other helpful information may include whether the assignment is group or singular work, templates, examples, etc.
This should be a simple, single sheet or table with assignments and due dates. This can link to more descriptions and assignment directions

CRITERIA 1.7

CRITERIA 1.8

Insert a thorough course attendance policy including details on penalties for tardiness or absences and expected participation and engagement throughout the course.
Recommended information includes expectations for participation that might be scheduled outside of regular class meetings such as field work, clinical assignments, etc. If the LMS discussion board or other electronic tools are required, detail guidelines for their appropriate use.
If the module will require an attendance report to the MIC finances, for financial related reasons, make sure to be transparent in how that attendance will be calculated.

CRITERIA 1.9

List any assignment and submissions guidelines, communication expectations, testing, late and missing submission policies, and appropriate channels for support requests.
See the example below for online participation and communication ground rules sample

Online Module Ground Rules

Participation is required
Expected to communicate with other students in team projects
Learn how to navigate in D2L
Keep abreast of course announcements
Use the assigned university email address as opposed to a personal email address
Address technical problems immediately
Observe course netiquette at all times. Instructor guidelines for communication by email, discussion groups, chat, and the use of web resources. Some examples of this include:

Always include a subject line.
Remember that without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
Use standard fonts.
Do not send large attachments without permission.
Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
Respect the privacy of other class members.

Discussion groups

Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion.
Try to maintain threads by using the “Reply” button rather starting a new topic.
Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas
Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

CRITERIA 1.10

CRITERIA 1.11

CRITERIA 1.12

CRITERIA 1.13

CRITERIA 1.14

CRITERIA 1.15

CRITERIA 1.16

PRACTICE 1
It is now time for you to try your hand on developing your module on the LMS.
1. Create your practice module on the LMS and give it an appropriate name of a module that you intend to develop. Make sure you choose a module in which you have considerable knowledge and experience in teaching. If you do not have permission to create your own module on the LMS, approach the Academic Technology Hub. You may need recommendation from your faculty online Liaison or the Dean
2. Create your structure for the module paying attention to include appropriate sections to accommodate the requirements mentioned here. Make sure to present them in the most appropriate order.
3. On the Left Hand Side of the LMS you will find the navigation pane. Make best efforts to put each of them in to use. This by itself will help you get organized. Here you see how it looks like
LOADING YOUR ONLINE MODULE

Now we have created the template that we want, and understood how and what we should put where, we will attempt to populate our overall structure and other element. We will now look at the Criteria 2