There is no one way to structure a course. Here are some considerations which have contributed to successful enhanced, blended and fully-online courses. Ask yourself the following questions:
Schedule
- Will it be self-paced, following a set calendar, etc.?
Calendar
- Will you use a calendar with assignment and test due dates or some other method?
Sequencing
- Determine the logical progression of your materials. Will it be a linear or random order?
- Do you want students to see all the materials in the entire course?
- Does the content drive the organization?
- Will you restrict them to a segment at a time?
- Must a student master one segment before being allowed to move to the next?
- Must your material be taught in a step-by-step fashion?
- Can students perform course tasks in any order?
Content Segments
- How will you organize and split up your content?
- Will you allow students to print content?
- How will you present the course information?
- What is the best way to group your information?
- Will you use modules, weeks, lessons, units or something else?
- Will you use an orientation, help section or general resource?
Pre-test or remediation
- Will you pre-test students?
- Will you offer remedial material?
Types of activities the student will be required to complete
- Will you use written assignments, online self-tests, participation in the discussion board, group work, etc.?
Procedure for submission of electronic assignments
- What are the rules?
- Can they submit multiple copies?
- Can others view submissions?
- Will you use drop boxes?
- Must they use a specific format?
- Will you specify a deadline?
- How will you handle late submissions?
- How will you handle technological problems?
Assignments and Class Size
- Considering your class size, how much time can you devote to reviewing assignments?
- Do you have TA support?
- Will you use peer review?
- Will you use groups?
Testing Procedures and Assessments
- What kinds of assessments will you use?
- Will they be online, proctored, etc.?
- How many assessments will you use?
- What must the student do or perform to provide sufficient evidence that they have indeed comprehended the materials?
- Will you require memorization, analysis or skill performance?
- Are the assessments low-stakes or high-stakes?
- Will you use self-assessment?
- How do you feel about cheating?
- Will your assessments be driven by your opinions on cheating? For example, you may choose not to use multiple-choice exams, but have them write a paper.
- Will you weight your various assessments differently?
Course Communications
- What is your preferred mode of having students communicate with you? Will you use email, discussion board, etc. and how?
- What is your preferred mode of having students communicate with other students? Will they use instant messages, phone, course mail, email, discussion boards, etc. and how?
Syllabus
- Does your syllabus reflect your course structure, segments, projects and grades?
Orientation
- Have you considered an online orientation to both the online tools and your course?
- Is completion of the orientation required to access the course material?
Evaluation
- Will you provide an evaluation after each segment?
- Will you poll and survey student opinion?
- What do you want feedback on?
- Will you use MSU's online SIRS and SOCT?
