20. Accessing the quality of an E - learning course

• At the beginning of the course, learners are provided with general information that will assist them in completing the course and in understanding its objectives and procedures?
• If the course is intended for an international audience, the level of reading proficiency is necessary to complete the course successfully.
• A brief description of the course includes a goal and learning objectives and/or outcomes.
• A program map will indicates how this course is related to other courses in the program and the credit value of each course.
• Prerequisites are identified.
• A list of required and recommended resources includes all textbooks, course ware, and online resources necessary to complete the course. If learners must access online databases, instructions are provided for locating and accessing these resources, including password information.
• Special requirements are identified, such as recommended modem speed or Internet bandwidth, hardware, and plug-ins. Online sources for these items are provided.
• The estimated time required to complete the module and/or course is stated.
• Guidelines for participating in online discussions are provided, as well as suggestions for handling incoming e-mail, e-mail attachments, viruses, and e-mail filters.
• Learners are informed about group-work activities, the guidelines for forming groups, grading criteria for group participation and assignments, and their responsibilities as group members.
• The introduction to the course takes into account the learners’ backgrounds, ability levels, and expectations, including their personal learning goals and objectives
• The availability of technical support is stated, and links to online technical information are provided
• The availability of the instructor is specified, as is the turnaround time for responses to learners’ questions.
• Learners are directed to a source for answers to “frequently asked questions” pertaining to online learning. This source may provide information covering many of the items listed above, as well as items related to plagiarism, virus protection, and firewalls.
• Learners are informed about their right to privacy and the conditions under which their names or online submissions may be shared with others.
• Learners are directed to a Web site that helps them determine whether online education is appropriate for them.
• The developers and reviewers of the course are listed. Brief biographies may be provided to assure students of the developers’ knowledge and expertise.