Designing for Online Learning

This course is self-paced and designed to be explored on your own. We have intentionally designed an introductory learning experience for teachers focused on the tangible and practical elements of online learning. At the end of the course, you will have the option to earn a digital credential in the form of a badge.

This course is primarily geared towards educators who teach upper elementary, middle, and secondary school students. While much of our middle and high school experience may be relevant to elementary school teachers, we recognize the unique challenges inherent in online learning for younger students. Please check out our Elementary/Lower level iteration of this course for a more specified experience.

This course is about teacher design moves that ensure a smooth transition to online learning. For some of you, the course may be a new foray into online learning. For others, it may be an opportunity to learn new strategies. Either way, you will find something tangible and practical to use with students.

This course will cover the fundamentals of designing high-quality online learning experiences. We’ll explore the possibilities and limitations of online learning, the development of relationships and human connections in online spaces, the essentials of page design and navigation, and the design of learning experiences and assessments in online environments. You will learn quick strategies and tools that you can implement immediately as well as gain access to experienced online teachers and a networked global community.

We offer four themes that form the bedrock of the student experience in online learning. Each of these topics is a module in this one week course.

1. Student Agency: Designing for students to be engaged and independent learners
2. Relationships: Building community and supporting wellness in online spaces
   
3. Wayfinding: Designing student learning experiences in online spaces
4. Assessment: Creating assessments and providing feedback in online spaces