Faculty Resources
Best Practices in eLearning:
These features are recommended as best practices in online course design and instruction. This document is designed as an informational resource only. For more detailed information, review the Best Practices in Hybrid Instruction.
General Course Information:
This information should be provided within the course shell and, when possible, be readily available (on either the instructor or department website) prior to the start of the semester. It is suggested that the items indicated with an asterisk (*) be made available prior to the start date so the student can prepare. Many of these items can be provided within the syllabus itself.
- Online Information*
Guide students to MCC Online at www.mc.maricopa.edu/distance/ to complete the online readiness quiz and for other valuable information. - Syllabus*
District requirements are met. See Maricopa Syllabus Resource Center at www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/syllabus/index.php. This includes college/instructor name, contact information, course information, grading standards, attendance requirements, required materials, statements of responsibility, services related to special accommodations and a "subject to change" statement. - Learning Resources*
Textbook and other resource requirements are noted. - Technology*
Requirements and plug in/additional software download processes are presented. - Instructor*
Contact information, office hours and instructor introduction are available. - Expectations*
Information is included on the demands and requirements for success. Delivery methods are defined. For example, on-campus requirements, field-trips, etc. - Learning Objectives
Defined, measurable and consistent with course competencies. - Course Access
For continuity, the MCC Online Gateway page is the entry point of all online learning at MCC. - Getting Started
Process is in place for students to get information on initial course steps and access to the course. For example, what is needed before class, when course goes live, initial contact, a "start here" feature, etc.
General Course Design:
All of the information in General Course Information should be provided in the course shell. In addition, the following information should be considered when designing an online class.
- Structure
Course organization is clear and the course is easy to navigate. - Navigation
Instructions are available to help students familiarize themselves with the course. For example, a scavenger hunt, virtual orientation, etc. - Learning Module/Assignment Objectives
Defined, measurable and consistent with course competencies.
Assessment
Assessing student participation and progress regularly is essential to good course design; student feedback can also provide valuable information when considering course modifications and updating.
- Objectives Alignment
Align course competencies/learning objectives, learning activities and assessment/evaluation activities. - Assessment Process
Identify and explain assessment policy and procedures. - Evaluation
Provide detailed description or criteria for evaluating student work. For example, rubrics or grading explanations/criteria. For rubric examples go to http://ctl.mc.maricopa.edu/wiki/index.php/Grading_Forms. - Instruments
Describe activities that monitor student progress throughout the course and measure learning objectives/outcomes. For example, tests, projects, essays, etc. - Assessment Safeguards
State cheating, student-only work and plagiarism policy. See http://ctl.mc.maricopa.edu/_resources/helpdocs/turnitin.html for further information. Also, see the Course Integrity statement under Legal Matters. - Grading Policy
Provide a detailed explanation of grading policy. For example, point/percentage requirements for assignments and for the overall letter grade. - Grade Book
Provide students online access to their progress in the course. - Course Evaluation
Provide a tool that captures student feedback. For example, suggestion box or anonymous survey. Examples of such tools can be found at here.
Communication
It is important to engage students in your course and make them feel part of a community. Frequent communication helps to promote retention and increases student participation and interaction.
- Contact Information
Clearly stated contact information and procedures, including instructor availability. - Response Criteria
Clearly stated timeframes for responding to student questions (usually 24 to 48 hours during the week), weekend/holiday responses, providing feedback on assignments, and posting grades. - Student Communication Plan
Outlined process for communicating with students. For example, class announcements and emails. - Class Interaction
Methods to allow student/student, student/instructor, student/content and student/technology interaction. - Create and Nurture a Learning Community
Process for class introductions and ongoing activities that create a sense of community and comfort. For examples, visit http://onlinelearninglab.wikispaces.com/icebreakers.
Learning and Technology Support
Delivery methods should promote learning. In addition, students often feel isolated in online/distance education courses so it is important to connect them with support resources.
- Learning Resources
Provide information on learning assistance resources. For example, stated office hours, publisher tutorials, MCC Learning Enhancement Services at www.mc.maricopa.edu/library/LE/, MCC Library services at www.mc.maricopa.edu/library/ and other resources. - Technology Support
State how students can obtain technological support. For example, TSS at www.mc.maricopa.edu/its/tss or outside support options if using a publisher-provided instructional management system. - Learning Support
Technology tools should support learning objectives and promote active learning. For examples, see "Teaching and Learning on the WEB." www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/tl/index.html.
Legal Matters
It is important to address security and legal issues.
- Copyright
Have proper permissions and citations for any copyrighted materials or creative commons, http://creativecommons.org/ used in your class. See www.maricopa.edu/legal/ip/ for copyright information. - Course Integrity
State cheating, student-only work and plagiarism policy. See MCCCD policies at www.mc.maricopa.edu/students/publications.html.
Accessibility
It is important that the course be accessible to all students.
- Disability
Include an ADA statement and willingness to make accommodations based on disabilities. www.mc.maricopa.edu/students/disability/links.html. Some thought should be given to alternative modalities based on student needs. - Readability
Consideration should be given to the readability of course information. For example, type of font and colors used. www.section508.gov/.
*For more information on best practices, please visit http://www.qualitymatters.org/ and link on FIPSE Grant Project.
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Please contact EWS for comments or corrections email phone: 480-461-7491.
