Instructional Design and Program Evaluation Essay

Instructional Design and Program Evaluation - Essay Example A review of the literature in online learning revealed critical strategies for effective teaching practices (Palloff & Pratt, 1999 & 2000; Graham, C., Kursat. C., Byung-Ro, L., et al.   2001; Lewis, L., Farris, E., Snow, K., & Levine, D. 1999; Candiotti & Clarke, 1998; Schrum & Berge, 1998; Ladon, E. H., 2002). According to the literature, an effective instructor should focus on many factors in order to create a successful online learning environment. The following are instructor characteristics that are synthesized from the aforementioned scholars: accept the value of facilitated learning as equal to that of the traditional model; demonstrate a broad base of life experiences in addition to academic credentials; possess characteristics of openness, concern, flexibility, and sincerity; feel comfortable communicating in writing; want to introduce critical thinking into the learning process; possess the appropriate credentials to teach the subject matter; be experienced and well train ed in online learning; demonstrate a very rich, active, respectful and responsive style of communication; provide a safe climate; invite input regarding the goals and agenda of the course; establish a sense of community among the learners; keep students aware of where they stand with respect to the course evaluation process; assess student learning without using tests requiring memorization; be online nearly every day; create places in an online environment where students can ask for help.... Revisions, however, are limited to delivery method and teaching strategies. The below, reviewing empirical and theoretical literature on online learning, contains a set of recommendations designed to enhance the learning experience and facilitate student's understanding. 3 Online Learning A review of the literature in online learning revealed critical strategies for effective teaching practices (Palloff & Pratt, 1999 & 2000; Graham, C., Kursat. C., Byung-Ro, L., et al. 2001; Lewis, L., Farris, E., Snow, K., & Levine, D. 1999; Candiotti & Clarke, 1998; Schrum & Berge, 1998; Ladon, E. H., 2002). According to the literature, an effective instructor should focus on many factors in order to create a successful online learning environment. The following are instructor characteristics that are synthesized from the aforementioned scholars: accept the value of facilitated learning as equal to that of the traditional model; demonstrate a broad base of life experiences in addition to academic credentials; possess characteristics of openness, concern, flexibility, and sincerity; feel comfortable communicating in writing; want to introduce critical thinking into the learning process; possess the appropriate credentials to teach the subject matter; be experienced and well trained i n online learning; demonstrate a very rich, active, respectful and responsive style of communication; provide a safe climate; invite input regarding the goals and agenda of the course; establish a sense of community among the learners; keep students aware of where they stand with respect to the course evaluation process; assess student learning without using tests requiring memorization; be online nearly every day; provide two types