What makes a online learning environment productive?

Standard A: Course Overview and Support: “The overall design of the course is made clear to the learner at the beginning of the course” (p.6)

Standard B: Content: “The online course provides learners with various content options that promote their mastery of content and are aligned with state or national content standards” (p.10)

Standard C: Instructional Design: “The online course incorporates instructional materials, activities, resources, and assessments that are aligned to standards, engage all learners, and support the achievement of academic goals” (p.14)

Standard D: Learner Assessment: “A variety of assessment strategies are used throughout the course geared toward learning and engagement and learners are provided with feedback on their progress” (p.17)

Standard E: Accessibility and Usability: “The course design reflects a commitment to accessibility so that all learners can access all content and activities and to usability so that all learners can easily navigate and interact with all course components” (p.19).

Standard F: Technology: “The technologies enabling the various course components facilitate active learning and do not impede the learning process” (p.21).

Standard G: Course Evaluation: “The course is kept up-to-date, both in content and in the application of new research on course design and technologies” (p.22)