Creating effective online assignments
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The document provides guidance for creating effective online assignments. It outlines 5 key parts for consideration: 1) construct well-designed learning objectives, 2) set clear expectations and detailed instructions, 3) provide meaningful and timely feedback, 4) include rubrics for assessment, and 5) allow students opportunities for reflection and feedback. Specific tips are given for each part, such as stating learning objectives, providing assignment examples and formats, using tools like email, Wimba, and surveys for feedback, and developing grading rubrics. The goal is to make assignments, expectations and feedback as clear and explicit as possible in an online environment.
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Creating effective online assignments
- 1. Considerations for Creating Effective Online AssignmentsKim KenwardInstructional Designer, GVSU
- 2. 5 Parts for ConsiderationConstruct well-designed learning objectivesSet clear expectations & detailed instructionsProvide meaningful and timely feedbackInclude rubrics for assessmentAllow students opportunities for reflection/feedback
- 3. Learning ObjectivesIn an online or hybrid course, you will not see your students face-to-face, it is critical that you craft CLEAR statements about what you want your students to learnLearning objectives guide the online course development processChoice of course materials, assignments or activities, and assessments should all reflect the learning objectivesEach element of the course should relate back to one or more of the learning objectives
- 4. Learning ObjectivesWhat do you want me to learn? Or, what is the purpose of the assignment?State exactly what you want them to learn from the assignment. If possible, provide an example or model of a successful assignmentHow does this assignment help your students achieve one or more of the course objectives?Make the reason very clear to your students
- 5. Setting Clear Expectations & Detailed InstructionsCheck assignments for clarity have another set of eyes review your instructionsInstructions have to be as explicit as they are flawlessDo your students have all the details necessary to properly interpret your assignment?Deadline/due datesFormat of the assignment. Single spaced, APA format, minimum or maximum lengthWhat kind of thinking do you want to see in the assignment?Identifying information (name, project, course, etc)How will they submit their work to you (assignment manager, email attachment, discussion board)How will you provide them with feedback and return the assignment (oral feedback, written feedback, email, Grade Center, etc)
- 6. Tips for Meaningful & Timely FeedbackFeedback is critical in an online environmentSend personal email messages and include the students name in the email messageUse Wimba voice for oral feedback, as well as occasional voice announcementsEnable Wimba pronto (for instant messaging and conducting virtual office hours)Include a wrap-up thread in your discussion board postingsUse the private journal in Blackboard to private instructor feedback and student reflectionAdminister a Bb survey for anonymous feedback on the course or as a follow-up to major assignments
- 7. Personal Email MessagesSend personal email messages and include the students name in the email message
- 8. Did you know you can even send email from the Grade Center? This is a great time saver! Wimba VoiceYou can easily add voice in Blackboard . You can even add oral comments in the Grade center! Just look for the mashup icon in your toolbar, select Wimba Voice and make sure you have a microphoneMashup icon
- 9. Wimba ProntoUse Wimba Pronto to conduct virtual office hours or to allow students to work collaboratively. This tool allows for screen sharing, video/audio capabilities, text chatting and more. You can find a download for Pronto on the Blackboard Portal. Faculty must enable their Bb courses to use Pronto. See http://www.gvsu.edu/it/bbng for more information on getting started with Wimba Pronto.
- 10. DB ThreadAlthough I wouldn’t recommend responding to each and every thread, in the beginning of an online/hybrid course, it’s good for your students to see YOU. They want to know if they are on the track and that their work is valued.
- 11. Bb JournalThe Blackboard Campus Pack Journal is a private tool between student and instructor. It’s a great tool for reflection and synthesis of course content. Instructors can leave written feedback within the journal entries.
- 12. Bb SurveySurveys are anonymous and are a great tool for receiving student feedback. You can find this tool under the Assessment tool bar.
- 13. Rubrics & Grading CriteriaHow will I be graded?Students need to know how much the assignment contributes to their course gradeDevelop a rubric that lists the criteria and assigns points for increasing levels of sophisticationAt minimum, develop a simple list of elements that are required in the assignment.
- 14. Assignment FeedbackAllow your students to provide YOU with opportunities for reflection/feedback after completing major assignmentsBlackboard journal toolBlackboard surveyEmail message1 minute paper to be included with the assignment
- 15. Other Good Practices..When appropriate, give students choicesGive them several options to pick from when completing an assignmentRemind students of “what’s next” and upcoming due datesThis might feel like spoon-feeding but it will help YOU and your students stay on task and organizedDon’t change the schedule or alter due dates Making significant changes can cause major chaosHave good course design keep it clean, simple and straightforward. Use learning modules or folders to organize content
- 16. ReferencesGilman, Todd. "Designing Effective Online Assignments." Chronicle of Higher Education (2010): n. pag. Web. 28 Jan 2011. <http://chronicle.com/article/Designing-Effective-Online-/64772/>.