12k – 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 FOUR
- We have so far covered the Instructional Design Criteria 1 to 4. Let us now look at Criteria 5. We will start with Criteria 5.1.
CRITERIA 5.1 Demonstrating Instructor Presence.

It is very crucial that the learners constantly know the instructor is present and engaging with them. An introduction sets the tone for the topic by establishing instructor presence, providing an overview of the topic, and initiating a positive learning environment. Instructor frequently and consistently interacts with students, provides timely feedback on assignments, and gives opportunities for q/a. Not this list is not exhaustive, as there are additional ways to add presence to a topic. It is recommended that the developer presents a narrative that clearly demonstrates the instructor’s teaching style, subject matter expertise, and clearly explains the relevancy of each topic throughout the topic.
Elements That Affect Content and Subject Expertise

We will now look at the various elements that will contribute to the effectiveness of your efforts at making your presence counts during the lesson.

Assignment Spacing

Assignments must be spaced throughout the semester, and feedback is provided promptly, allowing students to accurately gauge their progress and opportunities for topic correction if needed. It is also recommended that, multiple opportunities exist for automatic and detailed feedback. For example, multiple-choice quiz answers contain contextual information about how why the student might have been wrong and where they can find the information in the topic.

An Example of Assignment Spacing

Topic Narrative

The topic should be presented with a creative topic narrative, capturing students’ attention and tying topic activities, assignments, and objectives together to create a unified experience. You must attempt to create an engaging and personal experience by injecting the narrative with unique experiences and expertise that go beyond topic facilitation

An Example of a Topic Narrative

Topic Welcome Announcement

A welcome announcement would introduce the instructor and the module, setting the tone and expectations for students and communicating important policies and procedures for the module. Welcome announcement should demonstrate the instructor’s personality and enthusiasm, creating a polished, inviting presence.

An Example of a Topic Announcement

Instructor Presence and Engagement

It is recommended to demonstrate presence in a variety of ways. For example, a welcome announcement, both to the topic and each topic, feedback on assignments throughout the topic, abundant use of announcements through the news tool, participation in discussions, and a narrative that clearly demonstrates the instructor’s subject matter expertise. Note: this list is not exhaustive, as there are additional ways to add presence to a topic

An Example of a Instructor Presence and Engagement

Interactive Activities (Discussions, Chats, Synchronous)

Discussion boards exist and provide some opportunities for student-to-student communication. Discussion board prompts are consistent and designed to foster interaction and engagement. The discussion boards are lively and have good activity. The instructor communicates through feedback and the discussion board. Video or audio modalities in the discussion forum are encouraged through Video Note, Panopto, or other media means.

An Example of Interactive Activities (Discussions, Chats, Synchronous)

Topic Introduction

This should include a welcome to the topic message, a summary of what material or information will be covered, and topic-level objectives. Topic introductions in video format are a great way also to include instructor presence. You may also articulate the length of each topic and give key insights to look out for.

An Example of a Topic Introduction

Subject-Matter Expertise

Each topic should contain at least one substantial instructor-created lecture or information piece (video or notes) in addition to the visual aid and other third-party information. Media produced should be high-quality productions (fluid content delivery without simply reading; face, voice, and content all visible, with enthusiasm and clear understanding of the material. If text material is presented, the content should be extensive, well-formatted through HTML, and include graphic or multi-media elements.

An Example of a Subject Matter Expertise

A Final Word.

You may not be able to have all elements of INSTRUCTOR ENGAGEMENT AND PRESENCE, equally well developed. However, you must put your best effort to get maximum possible done. This completes the Criteria 5.1. We will now address CRITERIA 5.2. This will be our last set of recommendations.