Plan/Prepare

Analysis: Planning Your Instruction

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Last revised: 07/18/2024 by jap.

Overview

Analysis is the first step in planning effective instruction, and the first phase of the instructional design model ADDIE.  It involves collecting all the information that may impact a course in order to make informed course design decisions. The process begins by addressing a series of questions.

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Writing Learning Objectives

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Last revised: 07/15/2024 by JAP

Overview:

Objectives explain the destination of the learning experience to students. When written well and aligned with other course elements, objectives help students make cognitive connections between materials, learning activities and assessments. This alignment increases the possibility of learning success and enables both the students and the instructor to stay focused and monitor learning.  

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Key Takeaways from the CETL Online Student Preferences Survey

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Last revised: 04/25/2024 by cah

Overview:

In late 2022, eCampus launched a survey to determine student preferences as related to online courses. The survey went out to all students who completed an eCampus online course, which includes both undergraduate (68%) and graduate (32%) students. The survey was sent to 7300 students and 665 responded (9%).

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Deciding on Your Instructional Materials

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Last revised: 6/14/2022 by ess

Overview:

This article provides instructional material alternatives, with examples, for use in online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses.  Three options will be considered. Should you “make”, “buy” or look for “free” materials that support your learning objectives? Continue reading →

Managing Your Online Course

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Last revised on 6/26/2024 by KK

Overview

The Course Facilitation Plan (CFP) outlines the key steps to take before, during, and after your course implementation, presented in the recurring course life-cycle, as well as recognizing the four roles of an online instructor. Download a copy of the file to create your own customized version.

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Specifications Grading: A Method to Improve Student Performance

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Last revised: 10/07/2021 by JP

Overview

Are you looking to increase student motivation and the quality of their academic work? If yes, consider specifications grading.  According to Linda B. Nilson, Ph.D. the traditional higher education grading method is broken and specifications grading offers a solution with benefits for both students and faculty. Nilson published her seminal work, Specifications Grading: Restoring Rigor, Motivating Students and Saving Faculty Time, in 2015.  Since then, faculty have adopted her method, including some at UConn.

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