By Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D.
Here are a few characteristics of good online courses that will help you determine whether or not the course or program you’re looking at will fit your needs.
Focused goals: The course should let you know immediately what the goals are. Most will explicitly state that the goal of the course of the program is defined in a certain way. However, others will say something about their mission, or the objectives of the course. Make sure that the course goals are not too broad or too narrow, and that they make sense given the instructional materials you’ll be working with (books, online texts) and the activities.
If the subject matter experts (or the instructors) have not decided what their goals are, it will be quite difficult for them to communicate them to the students. One thing that makes most eLearners nervous is to think that they’re in a situation where course goals and performance expectations are a constantly moving target.
Clearly-defined outcomes: Some schools of thought are fairly rigid in this area, and they make sure that they only define their outcomes using certain “approved” words which have as their origin Bloom’s Taxonomy. Now, this might be a great idea, but it’s a bit confining. Not all colleges and universities adhere to a specific structure or syntax when designing outcome statements. Others, however, follow a clear format and use specific words, which include Jerrold Kemp’s “Shopping List of Verbs”.
In theory, a good outcome statement will let you know exactly what is expected of you. You will understand ahead of time what you are supposed to do in the class, and how your performance will be viewed. In addition, a good outcome statement will tie in to a very clear grading scheme which will let you know how you will be evaluated. It should be easily measurable, and as objective as possible.
Bad outcome statements are vague and unmeasurable. Even if they sound eloquently attainable, it’s impossible to measure the goals if they’re expressed something like this: “You will develop an appreciation of world cultures.” How do you measure it? You’re absolutely right. You can’t.
Thus, it’s better to express outcomes like this: “Upon successful completion of the unit, the student will demonstrate knowledge of Assyrian art by earning a 70% or higher on a quiz, after having opportunities to take practice tests.”
You’ve never seen an outcome statement like that? Perhaps that last example was a bit extreme, but it gives you the idea, correct? The key is to take a class that gives you a good idea of exactly how and what you are expected to be able to do when you complete the course.
Challenging tasks: A good online course will have tasks that are at the right level. They’re not too easy, nor are they too hard. Above all, the tasks should be clearly defined.
When you see a task that is perfect for the course, you’ll feel enthusiastic about trying it, and will look forward to doing it. If you are supposed to work with other individuals in the class, it will be clear how you’re supposed to do that. You’ll feel as though you’re being encouraged and given a helping hand so that that you succeed. If you look at the tasks and feel frustrated or fearful, you might be looking at a class that has poorly designed and conceptualized tasks.
Avoid classes like that unless a) you have no choice; b) you enjoy learning through extreme experiences, even if bad.
Clear, consistent and far-sighted standards: The standards for performance should be clear, consistent, and connected to future competencies. In other words, if you are expected to be able to cite your sources using the APA style, the instructions and guidelines should clearly state that. There should be a rationale for learning to cite using APA, and you should be able to see how it will help you in your career and/or in future courses.
Protection from adverse consequences for initial failures. A good course gives you a chance to practice applying your knowledge without having it negatively affect your grade. This may mean practice quizzes. It may mean that you have a chance to share your ideas and outlines with classmates and with the instructor. In that case, you should expect positive feedback and constructive suggestions. A good course does not allow fellow students to be harsh, ridicule, or demoralize others. It also allows for the free expression of ideas and thoughts that relate to the course goals. If you are off in left field, that’s okay. Your fellow students and your instructor will guide you. Later, after several opportunities to practice applying your knowledge, and sharing it with others, you will be asked to perform in an evaluated situation. You might have to turn in a finished paper. You may have to take a test. By the time that happens, you’ll be comfortable, if it’s a good online course, and you’ve stayed on track.
Affirmation of performance. A good online course provides a learning space where you know that you’re performing. Most of the performance and affirmation is likely to occur in the interactive part of the course, where you communicate with other students. With good coaching and guidance, fellow eLearners will share ideas, affirm each other’s work, and collaborate on projects.
You’ll also receive affirmation from your instructor, and that is likely to be a one-on-one experience, although there will be public recognition of good work (in the discussion board area and forum).
Novelty and variety. A good online course is not boring. It has lively questions and it incorporates images and good design. It may even incorporate audio and multimedia (films, etc.). You’ll see the point of the variety, too, and it will inspire you to probe more deeply and to explore other aspects of the course topic. You will be stimulated to explore.
Choice. Finally, a good online course is designed to give you choices. You will have options in many areas. First, you are likely to have choices of topics to write about and to study in-depth. You are also likely to have a choice of ways to access your course materials. For example, you can read your materials, or you may be able to listen to a lecture by downloading an mp3 file onto your computer or a portable mp3 player. You might be able to play the files on your iPod or even on your cell phone.
The course may include movies and film clips. You may need to rent the DVD or tape, or you may be able to download a clip onto your laptop and watch it, or you can download it onto a player. An example might be downloading your video onto a Creative Zen Media player.
By including choices and giving you the freedom to select what makes sense to you, the course is demonstrating that it recognizes that there are multiple intelligences and learning styles. Further, the designers understand that eLearners are motivated when they have ways to select things that connect to their lives. Having choices encourages a sense of self-determination and leads to a belief that one can succeed. It build your sense of self-efficacy.
Useful Sources and References
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