This is the PowerPoint slides for the Systematically Enhance Online Courses session at CamTESOL 2021 (Cambodia).

1. Systematically
EnhanceOnline
Courses
JOHN ALLAN
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2. …this session will introduce practical and
systematic ways to enhance online courses
through tried and true quality rubrics,
universal design and accessibility practices.
SESSION BRIEF

3. Systematic
Improvement?
Making improvements
with a framework
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4. Terms
Course rubrics
Universal design
Accessibility practices
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5. Rubric
A scoring tool
Online & blended courses

6. Universal Design for Learning
designing products and environments whose features are as usable
as possible to the widest variety of people as possible
Ability
Disability
Age
Gender
Culture

7. Universal Design for Learning
◦Representation of information in multiple formats
(text, audio, video)
◦Action and expression, multi-modal interaction with content
(search, quiz, project, rote)
◦Engagement, (gamification)

8. Accessibility design
a design process in which the needs of
people with disabilities are specifically
considered

9. Accessibility design tips
Ensure logical reading order (screen readers)
Colour contrast
Alternate Tags for images
Defined <tagged> hyperlinks
Accessible forms (descriptive labels)
Tool tips

10. Contemporary Situation
COVID-19 emergency
Course conversions to online
Survival approach
2021 improvements required
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11. How to improve online courses?
Limited resources
Shrinking budgets
Generate a framework
Instructor/admin buy-in
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12. Our experience (instructors 2016)
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13. Our experience
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50+ fully online and blended courses
Varying quality and structure
Few courses reused
No systems
Teachers work in silos

14. Our experience
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Create a Framework
Integrate
Best practices
Universal design
Accessibility
Support each other

15. Primary goal
Gradually, elevate online courses
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16. Practical goals
Define “robust course”
Set minimum criteria
Set realistic enhancement targets
Set a review process
Set up supports
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17. Robust course elements
Introduction
Learning objectives
Assessment and measurement
Instructional materials
Activities and learner interaction
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18. Robust course elements
Appropriate course technology
Learner support
Useability
Accessibility

19. Rubrics
◦Canvas
◦Quality Matters
◦OntarioLearn
◦OSCQR
◦others…

20. Options?
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21. Rubrics – option # 1
Adopt existing rubric
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22. Option # 1
Confined by its structure
Find a good fit
Married to a product?

23. Rubrics – option # 2
Repurpose/customize rubric
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24. Repurposing considerations
Cultural norms
Localizations
Aligning with institutional/divisional academic practices
Development time
Administrative approval

25. Rubrics – option # 3
Make original rubric
from scratch
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26. Original considerations
In-house expertise?
Release time
Consultation expense
Long development time

27. We chose Option # 1…err option #2
Adopt existing rubric with “slight” alterations
◦Met
◦Not Met
◦Remove some of the standards

28. Quality Matters
Staff certification
Best practices
Universal design
Accessibility

29. Quality Matters
rubric
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30. QM rubric standards (sections)
Course Overview
Course orientation docs understood by students?

31. QM rubric standards (sections)
Learning Objectives/competencies
Learning Objectives understood by students?

32. QM rubric standards (sections)
Assessment and measurement
Assessment clear and fair to students?

33. QM rubric standards (sections)
Instructional materials
Variety of current materials on course?

34. QM rubric standards (sections)
Course activities and learner interaction
Expectations of learner interaction with activities clear?

35. QM rubric standards (sections)
Course technology
Course technologies available and current?

36. QM rubric standards (sections)
Learner support
Learner support is clear and available?

37. QM rubric standards (sections)
Accessibility & usability
Impediments to learning are minimized?

38. Alterations
Suitable
Unsuitable

40. Course
reviews

41. Framework
Rubric (UDL/ Accessibility)
Course Templates
Teacher supports

42. Build a Framework
Rubric
Minimum expectations
Minimum enhancements

43. Framework
Course templates
Common elements already in place
◦Netiquette
◦Honor code
◦Technology requirements
◦Social Forum

44. Framework
Teacher support
Instructional/just-in-time video bank
How to Step-by-Step documents
Exemplar courses
Online Teacher Community
Common courses to easily share learning objects

45. Conclusion
Framework
Start with the rubric
Built supports
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46. Thank you – questions?
johnharoldallan@gmail.com
Email for link sheet