Designing Curriculum for eLearning
Migrating courses online or even to a hybrid (blended) format is not a simple task for education designers. Curriculum designers must always take into account the virtual and physical dimensions by which they are constrained. Designing curriculum for e-learning requires a systemic approach that encompasses the broader view of the learning environment and consideration of the needs of the learner. Implementing a learner-centered approach is a key to successful curriculum development and learner participation. The learner perspective is of utmost importance in the design process and the need for interaction and communication is vital to distance learning. Too often designers and other stakeholders place emphasis on the technology and consider the learner after design and content.
The continuing challenge for curriculum designers is that of engaging students in new learning activities that are goal-oriented, personally meaningful, relevant, and reflective in nature. These learning activities must be centered on achieving the planned outcomes of the curriculum but also have potential to give birth to new learning opportunities. E-learning environments should be considered evolving planes by which learners realize their own potential in an active, collaborative setting. As such curriculum designers must give learners the best opportunity to achieve the desired learning outcomes and design activities that value diversity of perspectives and provide substantial opportunities for collaborative or partnership learning.
If you want more information and guidance concerning e-learning development please contact an e-Learning Consultant at info@silkwebconsulting.com or call us at 623-465-5956.
