1. 45 Minutes to a Better Online
Course
Michael Weston
St. Edward’s University

2. So, what makes a course “better”?
• Learning outcomes?
• Higher scores on student evaluations?
• Student retention?
• Student satisfaction?
• Fun?

3. Nope!

4. These are the RESULTS of a “better” course:
• Measureable increase in learning outcomes
• Higher scores on student evaluations
• Improved student retention in program
• Students communicate their satisfaction
• More Fun

5. What makes a course “better”?
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Three ideas Eight ideas Twelve ideas 14 ideas!
It starts with pedagogically sound ideas:
Ideas

6. 14 Ideas that you can implement right now
• Common sense
• Pedagogically sound
• Research supported
• Easy to implement
• Get results!

7. 1. Add a Welcome Message

8. 2. Orientation

9. 3. Diversity of Content

10. 4. Modularize (aka ‘chunk’)

11. 5. Group Activity

12. 6. Challenge Them

13. 7. Self-Reflection

14. 8. Enthusiasm trumps polish

15. 9. Guide/Side or Sage/Stage?

16. 10. Get to know your students

17. 11. Individualized Encouragement

18. 12. Prompt Feedback

19. 13. Email or Call Drop-offs

20. 14. Forgive