Course Name: Tools for Effective Online Learning

About this Course

This course is designed to familiarize participants with the importance of integrating technology
tools into an online format. These tools are meant to support effective teaching practices in an
online environment to reinforce student learning and support student success. Participants will
learn how technology tools support student learning, identify appropriate use of a chosen
technology tool, and effectively apply this chosen tool to a learning environment of their choice.
Course Outcomes
At the end of this course participants will be able to:

Identify differences in online learning versus classroom learning

Describe effective teaching methods for an online environment
Evaluate tools for effective use in an online environment
Appraise the value of technology as a tool for learning in an online environment
Demonstrate effective integration of a technology tool in a professional setting

Course Format
This course is a six week online course. Participants are expected to thoroughly review the
weekly resources before beginning work on the weekly activities. These resources are provided
to establish a solid knowledge base and therefore will effectively support the resulting work you
produce for this course. The instructor will help in guiding the learning process and will be
available to answer any questions that may come up. Participants can expect to spend around
four to five hours a week on this course.
Participation
Individual participation in class discussions through the discussion forum is a key piece to
success in an online format. Discussion forums are how you will build community in a solely
virtual environment. Building a community creates a support system for participants and
solidifies learning experiences through collaborative work. There will be a variety of topics
discussed in this course. You are strongly encouraged to provide substantial and thoughtful
feedback throughout the course. This will enhance your learning experience as well as those of
your classmates.
Course Materials

Laptop
Email account
Course Outline

Week

Week 1: Understanding Online Factors

Outcomes
Identify differences between teaching
online and teaching in the classroom.
Discuss characteristics of a successful
online learner.

Week 2: Effective Teaching Methods in an

Online Environment
Outcomes
Discuss effective teaching methods for
an online environment.
Evaluate research for effective teaching
practices.

Week 3: Teaming Up with Technology:

Becoming Familiar
Outcomes

Analyze a course lesson for

opportunities for technology.
integration.
Articulate how to effectively integrate
technology into course curriculum.

Week 4: Teaming Up with Technology: An

Exploration
Outcomes
Understand the capabilities of
Microsoft Sway.
Demonstrate foundations in technology

Assignments

Resources
Desai, M. S., Hart, J., & Richards, T. C.
(2008). E-Learning: Paradigm Shift in
Education. Education, 129(2), 327-334.

Assignments
Discussion: Whats the Big Deal?
Infographic: Profile of an Online
Learner
Resources
Santally, M., & Senteni, A. (2013).
Effectiveness of personalised learning
paths on students learning experiences
in an e-learning environment. European
Journal Of Open, Distance And ELearning, 16(1), 36-52.
Assignments
Discussion: Best Practices
Discussion: Academic Journal Critique
Resources
Penman, J., & Thalluri, J. (2014).
Addressing diversity in health science
students by enhancing flexibility
through e-learning. Electronic Journal
Of E-Learning, 12(1), 89-100.
Assignments
Discussion: Analyze This
Presentation: What Would You Do?
Resources
Sway Website
Video: What is Sway
Sway Tutorials
Exemplar: Bloom
Assignments
Discussion: Sway

application.
Evaluate the effectiveness of
technology as a tool for learning.

Week 5: Teaming Up with Technology: The

Application
Outcomes
Transform course curriculum to
effectively integrate technology.
Summarize processes related to
technology integration.
Week 6: It's a Wrap
Outcomes
Identify key learning items from this
course.
Assemble presentation to discuss
findings.

Mini Project
Discussion: The Outcome

Assignments
Final Project
Discussion:What Would You Do?

Resources
Sway
Prezi
Screencastomatic
Assignments
Discussion: My Experience
Presentation