Designing Online
Courses
Hope Jordan
Enhancing Online Instruction
Through A Community of Inquiry
Some Considerations for Increased Teaching, Social
& Cognitive Presence
 Class Size – Manageable class size results in
increased student engagement with Instructor &
more interaction with peers = Teaching & Social
Presence
Add Interaction – Skype, Wimba, Phone,
Meetings/Workshops = Teaching & Social
Collaborative Approach (eases frustration
maximizes varied skills & knowledge)
Enhancing Online Instruction
Through A Community of Inquiry
 Keep it Simple – Hidden Objects
(assignment sheet), Dead Links, Too Much
Interaction ? – Consider 4 Basic Elements –
learner, faculty, content, environment
Go Beyond the Text – Utilize External
Links, Audio, Video & Resources =
Cognitive Presence
Connect Course Content to Practical
Application = Teaching & Cognitive
Presence
Enhancing Online Instruction
Through a Community of Inquiry
Utilize Technology Through Improved
Online Presentations (lessons learned in
SOE) = Teaching & Cognitive Presence
 Break Lectures into 15 – 20 segments
 Coordinate Visual Content – Charts, Graphics,
PowerPoint, Samples, Pictures, etc
 Require Intermittent Interaction/Response
 Utilize Experts and Guest Speakers
Enhancing Online Assessment Through a
Community of Inquiry
Go Beyond Tests and Papers (mid-term & final)
 Include Performance Assessments (more
Authentic/Real-World)
 Utilize Summative & Formative
 Link to Competencies & Instruction
 Assess Discussion Board Content – Link to Course
Readings Directly
 Expand Beyond Individual to Include Group
 Be Aware of Academic Honesty Issues –
Communicate Expectations to Students
Resources to Consider
Distance Learning in Higher Education A Programmatic Approach to
Planning, Design, Instruction, Evaluation, and Accreditation - A. Rovai,
M.K. Ponton, J.D. baker – Regent University
Enhancing online teaching: designing responsive
learning environments - M. Hicks, I. Reid, R. George
Flexible Learning Centre University of South Australia
http://www.herdsa.org.au/wpcontent/uploads/conference/1999/pdf/Hicks.PDF
Designing Online Courses: Models for Improvement - Faculty Focus
Special Report Sept. 2011 -- http://www.facultyfocus.com/wpcontent/uploads/images/Report-DesignOnlineCourseFinal.pdf