1	Distribution of Content in Online Courses Virgil E. Varvel Jr. March 5, 2004 Triton College
2	Differences Between Planning a Face-to-Face and an Online Course The degree to which the instructor must plan the components of the course prior to the first day of class. The need to understand the impact that the technology has on the learning process. The need to understand the impact that the technology has on the instruction process. How the content is distributed.
3	Development of Online Courses Within the confines of instructional design, you analyze the system, design and develop the instruction, implement and evaluate. The following steps are used to facilitate the last four steps with online courses. Distribution of content is a consideration in all steps. Define the Strategy Learn Course Management System Develop a Plan Produce a Course Deliver Course Revise
4	Strategy Learner &/or Instructor Led Learner &/or Instructor Paced Synchronous &/or Asynchronous Online or Hybrid Guide &/or Sage Instructional Model
5	The V-Tel Model Can take on any of the features of a regular f2f instruction. Usually used in brief workshop settings, but can be used weekly in a course setting. Typically led by the instructor as a presenter
6	Virtual Classroom Model
7	Another View
8	Pros and Cons
9	Open-Entry Open-Exit Model
10	Pros & Cons Pros Provides flexible time schedule Good for independent learners Potential for higher enrollments Cons Learners are isolated No collaboration Dependent on instructor Substantial time-management skills and motivation Instructor always on call
11	Web/Computer Based Training Model This model is very similar in nature to the open-entry/open-exit model, except that there is no instructor involved. The student interacts solely with web-pages and web-based materials. In the most optimal form of this model, the course is designed to allow students multiple routes through the course materials depending upon their learning style and level of familiarity with the materials.
12	Pros & Cons Pros Cost effective to implement Good for procedural knowledge Cons Quality software is expensive and difficult to write Many do not provide adequate feedback Many are not flexible for learning styles and paths
13	How Do You Know Which One Is Right for You? What are your instructional goals? Curriculum Pacing Communication needs What did your analysis phase tell you was needed? What do you have the capability of doing?
14	Choosing Course Content Curriculum Pedagogy Audience Instructor Assessment Technology
15	Distributing Content Type of course content to be delivered. Can take on many forms. Readings Audio Video Multimedia Simulation Laboratory Exercise Advanced
16	Distributing Content Within the context of the strategy and content chosen, one can chose various methods of distribution. CMS Web Books CD Video eMail Postage Mail
17	Course Management Systems Pros Simplify online course development and delivery. Built in assessments and student tracking. Built in communications. Built in organization. Built in etc. No need to learn html. Easy to update. Cons Restrictions on design. Learning curve. Expense (but does this even out?) Requirements of easy Web access.
18	WebCT course management system Learning WebCT from an instructor’s point of view. http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/Pointers/2002_09/page2.html
19	Instruction / Content Element Considerations for Distribution What is the purpose of the content element? How often will the content need updating? Is value added with the content type chosen? Can a single choice work for all content? How long will the element take? Level of instruction needs. Is the instructor familiar with the methodology? What technology is involved with the development and distribution of this content element?
20	Place the Content within the Context of the Activity Initial Activities Learning Contracts Small Group Work Lecture Discussion Self-Directed Learning Mentorship Interviews Critiques Projects Collaborative Learning Case Studies Forums Online Quizzing Papers Weekly Summaries
21	Instructional Strategies Make use of the wealth of online resources available. Don’t be limited by traditional face-to-face strategies. Educators must first design their curriculum, goals and objectives, and then consider how the online environment can best serve them. Don’t let the online environment define you. You can distribute content in many ways such as CD, books, email attachments, etc.
22	Summary Define the Strategy Learn Course Management System Develop a Plan Produce Content Produce Course