Distance Learning
Web-Based Course Development Course Design
Development
A web-based course is developed using a collaborative approach. The development team consists of the following roles, and one individual may perform more than one role as required.
- project leader
- instructional designer
- subject matter expert (SME)
- content reviewer
- editor
- LMS designer/publisher (design and coding)
Design
Courses are divided into learning modules, each representing a theme or area of study that follows the curriculum as prescribed by Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning's Foundation for Implementation documents. Learning modules are made up of one or more Learning Experiences (LE) that are linked to and support specific learning outcomes.
A learning experience is composed of content and learning activities designed to engage students in the learning process. Learning experiences include instructional content (information, examples, explanations, images, reference materials, etc.) and learning activities.
Learning activities are the components of an LE that allow the student to become actively involved in the learning process. Typical learning activities may include: journals, discussion topics, self-assessment, reflection, and projects.
Communication and sharing opportunities are built into courses and are facilitated and augmented by online teachers. Students are given opportunities to share experiences with other students, collaborate, and contact the instructor.
Peer Review
Course development includes a peer review which is infused in the process. Each course has a review team which may consist of the following:
- project leader - Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
- curriculum consultant - Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
- subject matter expert - teacher
- content reviewer - teacher (usually from same school division as the writer)
The development cycle consists of writing and review punctuated with review by project leader and curriculum consultant. The review process is formative.
Assessment
Courses include suggested activities that can form the basis for the assessment of student work. Teachers control the course and can adjust, and modify these suggestions to fit their instructional situation, and the needs of their students.
Teachers prepare and conduct appropriate assessment activities based on how they structure and deliver the course. The teacher is responsible for determining assessment strategies used and for sharing assessment plans with students.
