Designing Online Learning to Increase Student Engagement
To learn about the contents of this Professional Learning Module, click the video (2:41) link below.
Introduction
Welcome to our Professional Learning Module (PLM) on Designing Online Learning to Increase Student Engagement. This module is oriented to secondary and higher education educators with varying prior knowledge and skills for creating online learning experiences for students. It is not intended to be an exhaustive resource on the topic of designing online learning, but rather a springboard of introductory information and resources to be expanded upon. The PLM has three levels of learning for varying ability levels that can be completed for Continuing Education Units or certificate renewal credits. In more advanced levels, there is also an opportunity to complete digital learning credits by showing the ability to incorporate technology.
Using the Google Chrome browser throughout the PLM is highly recommended to interact with the checks for understanding and final assessment documents.
Scroll down to read about each level. You have the option to complete one or more than one level of the PLM depending on your ability level with designing online learning. When you are ready to begin, click the start button at the bottom of the page.
Level 1
Suggested Prerequisite Skills for Level 1:
Working knowledge of a digital device
Working knowledge of Google Docs and Forms
Goal: To educate learners on effective online learning components.
Approximate Completion Time: 3 hours
Objectives:
To familiarize learners with vocabulary relevant to online learning.
To understand the differences between asynchronous and synchronous learning.
To familiarize learners with the National Educational Technology Standards for Educators.
To determine how online learning differs from in-person learning.
To understand the benefits and obstacles of online learning.
To understand the role of educators in online learning.
Assessment:
Upon completion of this level, you will understand relevant online learning vocabulary, the differences between asynchronous and synchronous learning, ISTE Standards for Educators and the benefits and obstacles of online learning. In addition you will be able to differentiate between online and in-person learning. The assessment will ask you questions related to your learning.
Level 2
Suggested Prerequisite Skills for Level 2:
Basic knowledge of some digital tools
Working knowledge of Google Docs and Forms
Familiarity with share settings to make private documents public
Ability to take and upload screenshots
Goal: To adapt a current in-person strategy into an effective digital learning experience.
Approximate Completion Time: 2 hours
Objectives:
To distinguish the alignment between in-person strategies and effective online strategies.
To determine appropriate online learning tools between asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
To select an engaging and appropriate digital tool for online learning.
To understand the role of educators in online learning.
Assessment:
Upon completion of this level, you will be able to align in-person strategies to effective online strategies, determine which tools are appropriate to use in asynchronous and synchronous online instruction, and select appropriate, engaging tools for online learning. The assessment will ask you to adapt one in-person activity into an engaging online activity using digital tools.
Level 3
Suggested Prerequisite Skills for Level 3:
Basic knowledge of some digital tools
Working knowledge of a digital device
Working knowledge of Google Docs and Forms
Working knowledge of a LMS
Knowledge of how to create units & learning experiences in a LMS
Familiarity with share settings to make private documents public
Ability to take and upload screenshots
Goal: To create effective learning opportunities in a digital platform which increases student engagement.
Approximate Completion Time: 3 hours
Objectives:
To identify the most appropriate places to integrate digital tools.
To incorporate multiple digital learning experiences with student choice into Learning Management Systems within curricular units.
To understand the role of educators in online learning.
Assessment:
Upon completion of this level, you will be able to identify the most appropriate places to integrate digital tools and create digital learning experiences within your learning management system to provide choice for students. The assessment will ask you to upload a screenshot of your LMS showing use of multiple digital tools and highlighting student choice.