How to Publish Your Curriculum Online

Since the Internet is becoming such a common part of life, it is no wonder that it is a constant part of the educational experience. This article focuses on online learning, how it was developed, what factors should be considered when developing an online course, the rationale for creating an online learning environment, the different types of online learning, and tips for maintaining and optimizing an online course.

Online learning is the use of multimedia tools and technologies (i.e. computers, videos, kiosks) through electronic means to demonstrate and / or teach a concept and / or skill.

Did you know that inserting a keyword into a search engine is an online learning method?

More than 70% of people use online search sites as a way to conduct secondary research. However, it is up to the web user to determine what information is considered important and reliable. When results appear on a web page after a keyword search, most people see the results from the first two pages. The use of online search is considered an “unstructured learning environment” as there is no set agenda or sequence for learning (unlike a structured learning environment in which resources (including text and hyperlinks) are in a complete format, such as a web page or compact disc (CD).)

Someone may be looking for a particular product. There is no “default” path or procedure, as long as they find the product. When consumers visit different sites to compare prices, it is an online learning method. Some people refer their friends and family to their online “wish list”. Why? So they can know what gifts they want to buy them.

There are two types of online learning. The first is a hands-on synchronous learning environment. This is also known as live and real-time learning. Examples of this can be found in webinars, live talks, and conferences.

The other type is asynchronous learning. This type of learning occurs at the pace of the computer user. Learning can occur beyond class hours. The forums in which you can do this are by emailing the instructor for advice and guidance, through a discussion, a bulletin board, or by submitting assignments by posting online.

Despite the resources available in today’s world, both instructors and institutions are not using online learning to its full potential. About 90% of educational institutions have access to the Internet; however, only a fraction of instructors are implementing it as part of their curriculum. Another challenge is the “digital divide”. Lack of income, limited or no access to a computer, and lack of Internet access are contributing factors to the “digital divide.” Students at the shorter end of the divide may be reluctant to work in a new environment.

Institutions are not immune from the “digital divide” either. There is increasing pressure on educational budgets because technology is sometimes seen as an afterthought rather than a necessity.

Online learning is not a medium left to academia alone. Corporate environments use online learning tools to train employees. Many continuing education courses, adult education, and seminars are also held online. Software companies often offer regular training sessions to customers on how to use their products.

To ensure the success of online learning, you should start planning an online course by setting the goal and objectives of the course. Once the goal is set, determine how taking the course online will help improve the class experience in terms of reaching the goal. Is the online medium a tool that the student will actively use, or is it a medium that would be used to display items of interest, ie charts, graphs, or videos?

Before creating and teaching an online course, it is important to get first-hand experience with the resource. If one has not taken an online course, it is suggested that they do so. Online courses can last from half an hour and an hour to a full semester or year. When taking an online course, here are some questions to consider:

o How easy and / or difficult is it to navigate (move around) and explore the website?

o Were you able to access the materials you needed to complete the tasks / assignments?

o Were additional resources listed?

o What are your likes and dislikes regarding your online learning experience?

o How responsive was the instructor?

o What aspects and factors can you take into account to create your own course?

Once you have taken an online course, you will have first-hand primary research as a student in the online learning environment. Now you can take advantage of the experience and focus on making the online learning environment for your students enjoyable and informative.

The first step is planning the content. What type of content will there be on the course site?

What content is needed for the course?

o Study program

o Assignments

o Readings

o Evaluation information

(Exams / Quizzes)

o Shipping protocol

o Measure student progress

o Confidentiality issues

o Instructor information

o Email address

o Office hours

o Credentials

o Phone / Voicemail

o Resources

o Hyperlinks

o Videos

o Books

o Periodic publications

According to the Web teaching guide , a good method to use is to take tabs and write on each one what type of content should be on the site and organize it in an easy-to-navigate sequence of events.

Once you have your materials organized, it’s time to figure out how to make the course accessible on the Internet. Below is a list of the routes one can take to get their course online:

o Internal resources (Institutional / College / University)

o Equipment (Computers with Internet access)

o Computer lab installation

o Editors Resources: Browse your textbooks.

Some publishers have online resources that are available to instructors, such as websites and CDs that may be free to use.

o The web space may be available to instructors at your institution. Check with your institution’s department of education and / or MIS department.

o External resources

o If the web hosting space is not available, there are web hosting packages that start from $ 5 USD per month. Most web servers have easy-to-create templates where all you have to do is insert text, documents, and / or images.

o A domain name is also required if you are hosting with an independent company. Domain names are typically around $ 9 USD a year.

When you have the course online, there are still factors to consider.

How receptive will students be to the online format?

Some students may not have the experience of learning in an Internet-based environment. If this is the case, recommend practical training. Many libraries and community centers offer free “Introduction to the Internet” courses that cover the basics of e-mail, searching, and browsing.

Does the instructor have enough time to dedicate to the course, beyond class hours?

If the instructor is unresponsive and participatory in the use of the online medium, how do you expect students to learn to feel comfortable in the online environment? It is also recommended to have a variety of methods in which students can communicate in addition to the phone and office hours. Bulletin boards, online forums, webinars, and an email group are practical examples. This will train and encourage students to review the site and participate in bulletin boards and / or forums on a regular basis.

Below are some final tips that will help in maintaining and managing an online course.

Closing tips:

o Take an online course at least once a year.

o Keep your online material up to date.

o Be accessible both online and offline – Students tend to ask more questions via email than in the classroom.

o Be open to student feedback, they are helping you improve the online experience for themselves and other students to come.