Module 4 evaluating online courses

EVALUATING ONLINE COURSESPresented by Angel

Course Site 1

Name of faculty member whose site is being reviewed: Prof. Eric Klopfer

Course Name: Computer Games and Simulations for Investigation and Education

Course site (URL): http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/urban-studies-and-planning/11-127j-computer-games-and-simulations-for-investigation-and-education-spring-2009/index.htm

Faculty member does not use the course site in Blackboard.

1.1 Encourage contact between students and faculty

a. Contact information and office hours were not posted.

b. Timeframes for email responses were not posted.

c. Syllabus was being provided online.

-- no prerequisites for the course -- clear course description

1.2 Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students

a. No communication section in site.

b. Group activities were created; some project-based activities require student interaction with their peers.

1.3 Encourages active learning

a. Content areas were not shown on the site.

b. Assignments and activities were provided to facilitate reflection on learning and application to discipline. Assignment direction of every week was clearly provided.

c. Readings of different topics were assigned every week. Reading resources were fully provided.

1.4 Give prompt feedback

a. No announcement information.

b. No gradebook; students were not able to asses their own progress.

1.5 Emphasizes time on task

a. Learning outcomes or objectives were not provided in the syllabus.

b. An assignment overview was provided and percentage of grade of each assignment was clearly told.

c. Weekly course outline and assignment navigation were given.

1.6 Communicates high expectations

a. Grading rubrics were not provided, but the percentage of grades for major assignments were provided.

b. Direction in assignments and activities was clearly provided.

1.7 Respects diverse talents and ways of learning

a. Instruction that addresses various learning styles (visual, auditory, tactile) was not provided.

b. Balance of theory and practice was evident in course site.

Course Site 2

Name of faculty member whose site is being reviewed: Ann Morgan

Course Name: Audio Recording and Podcasting

Course site (URL): http://moodlecommons.org/course/view.php?id=32

Faculty member uses the course site in Blackboard.

2.1 Encourage contact between students and faculty

a. Contact information and office hours were not posted.

b. Timeframes for email responses were not posted.

c. Forum “Ask Me Questions” was created.

d. Syllabus was not formally provided online.

-- clear course introduction

2.2 Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students

a. Forums allows participants create threads.

b. Activities that require student interaction with their peers were created. (#1)

2.3 Encourages active learning

a. Topic outline was included in content area .

b. Assignments and activities were provided to facilitate reflection on learning and application to discipline. Assignment direction of every week was clearly provided.

c. Resources for required assignments were provided.

2.4 Give prompt feedback

a. Announcement forum exists but no news was ever posted.

b. No gradebook; students were not able to asses their own progress.

2.5 Emphasizes time on task

a. Learning outcomes or objectives were not provided in the syllabus.

b. Time-based course outline and assignment navigation were provided.

2.6 Communicates high expectations

a. Grading rubrics were not provided.

b. Direction in assignments and activities was clearly provided.

c. Netiquette was taught. (#3)

2.7 Respects diverse talents and ways of learning

a. Instruction that addresses various learning styles (visual, auditory, tactile) was provided.

b. Balance of theory and practice was evident in course site.