Online Course Development: Planning and Implementation from edX

Successful online education requires substantial groundwork before instructors can get started on course design and delivery. Designed for educators, administrators and educational leaders required to make decisions about digital learning technologies and frameworks, this short course prepares you to confidently navigate this process and build the crucial foundations for rewarding remote learning experiences. ****

Learn amongst a vibrant and diverse community of educators, and gain essential knowledge for developing and supporting an effective online learning environment), including conducting a needs assessment, forming a strategic plan, evaluating learning management systems (LMS), and assessing tools for creating both synchronous and asynchronous content. ****

Upon completion of this course, you will have a more in-depth understanding of the key technical and human considerations that go into online course creation, preparing you to lead course development with confidence.

What you'll learn

Learn how to conduct a needs assessment and form a strategic plan for online course development;
Identify, appraise and implement appropriate learning tools, technology, systems and communication channels;
Gain an understanding of the key program development elements and considerations such as modes of delivery, pace, and scheduling;
Learn how to effectively manage your team when launching an online course or program, including leading through change and transition, distinguishing team member roles, and instilling appropriate team and instructor training and support.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn how to conduct a needs assessment and form a strategic plan for online course development;

Identify, appraise and implement appropriate learning tools, technology, systems and communication channels;

Learn how to conduct a needs assessment and form a strategic plan for online course development;
Identify, appraise and implement appropriate learning tools, technology, systems and communication channels;

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Ideal for instructors, administrators, and educational leaders responsible for making decisions about digital learning technologies and frameworks

Provides a solid foundation for developing and supporting effective online learning environments

Assists learners in conducting needs assessments, forming strategic plans, and evaluating learning tools

Covers essential elements of online course creation, including modes of delivery, pace, and scheduling

Helps learners effectively manage teams when launching online courses or programs

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Online Course Development: Planning and Implementation with these activities:

Review testing methodologies

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Strengthen your understanding of testing methodologies to effectively measure student learning.

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Review different types of assessments and their purposes
Practice developing assessment rubrics

Refresh basic design principles

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Ensure you have a strong foundation in design principles to enhance course visuals.

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Review principles of visual hierarchy and typography
Practice designing mock-ups for course materials

Compile resources for online course creation

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Build a valuable repository of resources to support your online course development journey.

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Gather online learning platforms, tools, and resources
Organize resources into a comprehensive compilation

Five other activities

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Develop a course syllabus and schedule

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Demonstrate your ability to plan and structure an effective online course.

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Outline course objectives, learning outcomes, and assessment criteria
Create a detailed course schedule with clear timelines and deadlines
Develop a syllabus that includes all relevant course information

Explore best practices for synchronous and asynchronous content

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Enhance your understanding of effective content delivery methods for online learning.

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Review tutorials on creating engaging synchronous online sessions
Explore best practices for asynchronous content development

Engage in peer discussions on online course design

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Collaborate with peers to exchange ideas and perspectives on effective online course design.

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Join online forums or discussion groups
Participate in discussions on online course design best practices

Mentor new online educators

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Share your knowledge and experience to support the growth and development of aspiring online educators.

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Identify opportunities to mentor new educators
Provide guidance and support on online course design and delivery

Read 'Online Learning: A Guide for Educators'

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Gain valuable insights and best practices for online course design and delivery.

View Using Moodle: Teaching with the Popular Open... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts
Apply the learnings to your own online course development

Career center

Learners who complete Online Course Development: Planning and Implementation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Online Course Developer

An Online Course Developer designs and develops online courses for educational institutions and businesses. This involves creating course content, developing assessments, and creating interactive online learning experiences. This course provides a good foundation for those interested in working in online course creation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Online Course Developer

Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer designs and develops curriculum for educational institutions and businesses. This includes creating course content, developing assessments, and creating interactive online learning experiences. This course provides a good foundation for those interested in working in curriculum development for online learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates and develops educational materials for both in-person and online learning environments. This could be anything from designing courses, textbooks, and interactive online modules to creating training materials for employees. This course may be useful for working in online course creation.

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Learning Experience Designer

Learning experience designers apply UX principles and instructional design techniques to create effective and engaging learning experiences. A strong understanding of human behavior and cognition are essential for success in this career.

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Faculty Developer

A Faculty Developer provides support and guidance to faculty on how to use online learning tools and technologies. This includes providing training on learning management systems and other online learning tools. This course may be useful for those interested in working in faculty development.

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Learning Management Systems Administrator

A Learning Management Systems Administrator manages and maintains the learning management system (LMS) used by an organization for online learning. Responsibilities include installing, configuring, and maintaining the LMS, as well as providing training and support to users. This course may be useful for those interested in working with learning management systems.

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Training Developer

Training developers design, develop, and deliver training programs. They develop training materials, conduct training needs assessments, and evaluate training programs. This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective training developer.

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Training Manager

Training managers are responsible for planning, developing, and evaluating training programs. They ensure that learners are receiving the best possible training experience and that training programs are meeting the needs of the organization. This course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the training manager's role and the skills they need to be successful.

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Educational Technology Specialist

An Educational Technology Specialist provides support and guidance on the use of educational technology in educational institutions and businesses. This includes providing training on learning management systems and other online learning tools. This course may be useful for those interested in working in educational technology.

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Training Supervisor

Training supervisors are responsible for overseeing training operations, including planning, development, and evaluation. They manage a team of trainers and ensure that learners are receiving the best possible training experience. This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective training supervisor.

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Chief Learning Officer

A Chief Learning Officer (CLO) is responsible for the development and implementation of an organization's learning and development strategy. This includes overseeing the development of online courses and programs. This course may be useful for those interested in working in learning and development.

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Learning Facilitator

Learning facilitators help learners achieve their learning goals by supporting them, answering questions, and providing feedback. This course will equip learners with the skills and techniques needed to be an effective learning facilitator.

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eLearning Specialist

eLearning specialists design, develop, and deliver online learning experiences. They work with instructional designers, subject matter experts, and other members of a training team to ensure that online learning is effective and engaging.

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Education Consultant

An Education Consultant provides advice and guidance to educational institutions and businesses on how to improve their learning and development programs. This includes advising on the development of online courses and programs. This course may be useful for those interested in working in educational consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Consultant