Learning remotely is now a normal and each person may become a student in the global classroom. Whether you are looking to learn something new or share your expertise, an e-course is waiting to be discovered or to be created. So, what makes an effective online course? The following is a list of 6 things that every effective E-course will have.
- Preface
- Notes & Downloadables
- Quality & Balance
- Clarity & Cohesion
- Effective instructor
- User Experience
preface
In the preface of an E-Course, an instructor lays out the clear purpose for this course. It is essential that students/subscribers are made aware of the e-course’s objectives at this point. Varying forms of assessments are necessary in order to make sure the objectives are met. This is necessary so that the students have a feeling of fulfillment.
notes & downloadables
Instructors expect students some level of independent work; students need some guidance in finding reference/practice etc. There is a fair level of codependency there. The effective E-course will have notes and practical (assignment) projects. A downloaded file for reading or practicing will go far in keeping students engaged even after they have logged off. This is the essence of learning outside the classroom, but within the framework of the digital classroom.
quality & balance
There must also be some balance across the course. It is easy to get carried away when putting together an e-course. An instructor may write an entire 5-hour course in a 24-hour period. It is not consumed in that way, however. The mind will process new information in reasonable chunks and so a limit to the time per session as well as the amount of data need to be taken into consideration. Additionally, the e-learner may be working full time. The effective E-Course considers these and still delivers instructions in a quality manner.
clarity & cohesion
Students find it challenging to sit through a course that lacks cohesion and clarity. In general, the more effective lessons are engaging. This is particularly true for E-Learning. Students learn more when they are captivated and intrigued by what is being taught. Knowledge is shared faster and more effectively when the recipients are hooked.
Additionally, the course must be organized. The course outline is an essential tool in mapping out the direction and order of the course. Instructors will be able to demonstrate a starting point as well as a direction to the end point of the course. Instructions should follow along this path for the best results and optimal buy in from students
effective instructor (and instructions)
The effective instructor will give clear instructions utilizing the best equipment for clear audio. The instructions must also be grammatically correct and of course, accurate. The instructor is energetic, well spoken and passionate about their lesson.
The more effective e-courses will provide the equivalent of office hours. Whether via live Zoom/Teams (or other meeting platforms) sessions at set time(s) or by appointment, students may request support. The more ways a student feels engaged and that their learning matters, the more effective an e-course (or any course) will be.
the user experience
The user experience encompasses all that was mentioned above and then some. An effective e-course will convert its subscribers into ambassadors. The user will search for more E-Courses from the same instructor as well as share what they have found if they are satisfied with their experience.
The navigation of the e-course is equally important. Here are some questions to ask yourself before launching your e-course. How easy is it to navigate the e-course? How user-friendly is the platform? Can the user track their progress as the e-course goes on? The easier the navigation, the more effective the E-Course will be. Downloading notes and viewing lectures should not be burdensome. Getting grades or submitting completed assessments should be easy.
links to related and helpful blogs
Best tips for successful E-Learners
Best tips for Instructors of E-Courses
Advantages of taking an E-Course