Category: Design
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Program Learning Objectives
Program-Level Learning Objectives & Curriculum Mapping in Online Graduate Education A well-structured online graduate program is built on clearly defined Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) that align with industry needs, accreditation standards, and university goals. Curriculum mapping ensures that courses collectively build students’ knowledge and skills in a structured, progressive manner.…
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Assessments in Self-Paced Courses
Self-paced courses have transformed online education, giving students the freedom to progress through material on their own schedules. Unlike traditional instructor-led courses with fixed deadlines, self-paced learning allows students to engage with content when they feel ready, revisit challenging concepts, and complete coursework at a pace that fits their individual…
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The Role of Social Presence in Online Graduate Courses
To create truly engaging and transformative online graduate programs, we must ensure that students develop strong social presence skills—competencies that shape how they interact, collaborate, and lead in digital spaces. These skills are not just academic necessities but essential professional competencies that Students will carry into their careers. Using Bloom’s…
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Designing Inclusive and Engaging Online Course Content
Creating effective content for online courses involves more than assembling readings, videos, podcasts and assignments—it’s about crafting an experience that invites students to engage, reflect, and thrive. To achieve this, content must be designed with both multi-modality and accessibility in mind. By leveraging a variety of formats and ensuring that…
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Fostering Meaningful Engagement in Online Learning
In online learning, meaningful engagement goes beyond having students click through course materials or submit assignments—it’s about fostering connections that inspire curiosity, build community, and empower learners. True engagement happens when your students feel immersed in an experience that challenges them intellectually while supporting them socially and emotionally. Michael G.…
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A Glossary of Learning Activities
Affinity Mapping: A synchronous or asynchronous brainstorming activity where students categorize ideas, concepts, or responses into clusters based on common themes. This activity helps organize complex information and identify patterns in data or student insights. Annotated Readings: An asynchronous activity where students highlight and comment on key points within articles…
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Writing Module Learning Objectives
The Power of Module Learning Outcomes: Guiding Students to Success Clarity and structure are essential for creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences. One of the most effective tools for achieving this is the use of Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs)—statements that outline what students should know, do, or demonstrate by the…
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Course Design Tools
Explore two essential tools for enhancing your online teaching and course design: the Course Design Helper and the Instructional Design Wizard. Designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced instructors, these tools provide structured guidance to develop engaging courses and refine instructional strategies. Learn how these resources can…
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Assessment Rationales
An assessment rationale is a justification for why a specific assessment has been included in a course or learning module. It explains how the assessment aligns with learning outcomes, the skills or knowledge it measures, and its role in supporting student learning. Providing a rationale ensures that assessments are intentional,…
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Content Rationales
A content rationale is a clear and concise explanation of why specific content has been included in a learning module. It connects the instructional materials or activities to the broader course objectives, learning outcomes, or the needs of the learners. The rationale provides justification for how the content supports student…
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