ERIC Number: EJ1334566
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1814-0556
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Design Strategies for Developing an Engaging Online Course in Higher Education
Mucundanyi, Gaspard
International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, v17 n3 p198-206 2021
Online education is growing, but retaining students is still a challenge. However, student engagement is one of the factors contributing to student retention in online education. Online instructors and instructional designers should value student engagement in online courses. The first two weeks of an online course are critical; students start to familiarize themselves with the courses and connect with instructors, classmates, and content. It is also essential to consider these first two weeks as a deciding factor for students to take or drop online courses. Therefore, the online course design needs to be perfect from the beginning. Through the lenses of Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK), this article discusses five strategies of designing an engaging online course, such as clear and consistent design, developing a detailed syllabus, creating a learning community, instructor presence, and prioritizing free educational materials. Online instructors and instructional designers may explore these strategies to improve student engagement in online courses.
Descriptors: Online Courses, Instructional Design, Higher Education, Technological Literacy, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Course Descriptions, Learner Engagement, Teaching Methods, Academic Persistence, Communities of Practice, Teacher Student Relationship, Instructional Materials
International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology. University of the West Indies Open Campus, Cavehill, Bridgetown, Barbados, BB11000, West Indies. e-mail: chiefeditor-ijedict@open.uwi.edu; Web site: http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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