how to structure online contract for online education course

Here are some steps for developing a learning contract in your online course: Work with the learner to decide where she is now and where she wants to be at the end of the course or assignment; the gap is called a “learning need”; Translate the learning needs into learning objectives;

Full Answer

How do I develop a learning contract in my online course?

Here are some steps for developing a learning contract in your online course: Work with the learner to decide where she is now and where she wants to be at the end of the course or assignment; the gap is called a “learning need”; Translate the learning needs into learning objectives;

What is an online course agreement?

An Online Course Agreement is a document posted online whereby the course provider, the entity providing the course for sale and access, makes clear all of the terms and conditions that apply to the course. A Course Agreement is not a negotiated document - in other words, the parties don't sit and come together to discuss the terms of the document.

How do I create an online course structure?

While creating your online course structure, it’s essential to go ahead and outline each lesson—even if it’s only for your own benefit. First, make sure each lesson is in the proper module and that they are ordered the way you want them. Then, decide on a flow that each lesson will follow.

What is a contract in teaching?

The bottom line is this: A contract is an agreement between two or more parties that is designed to meet both sides’ mutual needs. If you hand your students a tightly prescribed list of assignments and due dates and say, “Here’s your contract,” what you are really saying is, “Here are my terms for this learning experience – take ’em or leave ’em.”

How do you structure an online course?

0:041:41How to Structure an Online Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you determine the starting and ending points organize your curriculum to take the student fromMoreOnce you determine the starting and ending points organize your curriculum to take the student from point a to point b in a logical sequence. Let them know when they hit milestones.

How do I start an online teaching course?

How to Create an Online CourseIdentify the Opportunity. Creating an online class is just like starting a startup. ... Validate Your Course Idea. ... Outline Your Course. ... Build Your Online Course. ... Find Your First Batch of Students. ... Launch Your Online Course. ... Build Your Community.

What is a course contract?

A course contract is a negotiated statement of commitment between you and your professor at the beginning of the semester. It outlines your objectives for the class and what you will do to meet these objectives.

How do you write content for an online course?

How To Create Effective Online Courses: Web Writing TricksConsider Psychology. ... Include All Necessary Elements. ... Write Compelling Content For The Course. ... Consider Language And Visual Elements. ... Choose A Successful CTA. ... Emphasize The Value Of Your Course. ... Make Learners Want To Attend Your Course.

How do you make an online course and get paid?

If you're ready to delve into the world of online teaching, follow the steps below.Choose a Course Topic. ... Do Market Research. ... Outline Your Course. ... Decide the Best Methods to Deliver Your Lessons. ... Create Your Lessons. ... Determine How You'll Sell Your Lesson. ... Load Your Course Online. ... Market Your Course.More items...•

How do you sell an online course?

In this article, you'll find an overview of the 10 major stages of online course creation:Pick the perfect course topic.Ensure your course idea has high market demand.Create Magnetic and Compelling Learning Outcomes.Select and Gather your Course Content.Structure Your Modules and Course Plan.More items...•

What is a learning contract in education?

A learning contract, also called a goals contract, can help you set transparent expectations for your students. Learning contracts specify behaviors and habits for success and can promote student reflection on how they learn. They are shared at the beginning of the semester to clarify expectations for the course.

What is a contract between student and instructor?

A learning contract is a voluntary, student-completed document that outlines actions the learner promises to take in a course to achieve academic success. This contract is signed by the student, the instructor, and (optionally) the parent.

Can a syllabus be a contract?

Although syllabi are not legal documents, changes to syllabi that are punitive to students after a course begins would go against the concept of a syllabus as a “good faith” agreement. However, in this case, the court ruled that a syllabus did not constitute a legally enforceable contract.

How do I create a course content?

Four Steps to Create Course Content that FlowsConsider your goals in teaching this course. Decide what you would like your students to accomplish from taking this course. ... Develop topics and subtopics, then narrow down further. ... Structure the course with what you have finalized. ... Plan your content types.

How do you write a course content?

Writing a Course Descriptionshould be no longer than 125 words.should begin most sentences with a verb.should be student-centered and explain how the reader would benefit from the course.should be written in the present tense and active voice.

What is online course content?

A university level course that is taken over the internet without the need for attendance in a physical location to order to access materials or the instructor. All instruction is done with the use of a computer and internet service and interaction may include synchronous as well as asynchronous activity.

What is an online course agreement?

An Online Course Agreement is a document posted online whereby the course provider, the entity providing the course for sale and access, makes clear all of the terms and conditions that apply to the course. A Course Agreement is not a negotiated document - in other words, the parties don't sit and come together to discuss the terms of the document. Rather, it is simply drafted by the course provider and posted online, for the participants of the course to read and agree to, with no negotiation.

What should a course agreement include?

Course Agreements should also include standard contractual provisions: things like a limitation on liability and intellectual property protection for the course provider, as well as an acceptable use provision and payment terms for the participant.

How many parties are in a course agreement?

There are only two parties in a Course Agreement, the course provider and the participant. The agreement will detail everything related to the course, such as the course name, the course start and end dates (if applicable), the course web address, the course cost, etc. This is important so that the participant can ensure everything is accurate ...

Is a course agreement covered by state law?

Although there is not one set of laws or regulations outlining what must be contained in a Course Agreement, these documents will be covered both by state law, for general contract principles, as well as, most likely, federal law overseen by the Federal Trade Commission governing online disclosures, disclaimers, and advertising.

Why do you need to create an online training contract?

One of the primary purposes for creating online training contracts is to bridge performance and skill gaps. Specifically, personal gaps that are hindering workplace productivity and preventing employees from achieving their true potential. Before you can fill the gaps, though, you need to identify them. This involves employee evaluations, on-the-job observations, and managerial feedback. Learn as much as possible about your employees' current experience level, knowledge base, and skill proficiencies. Then you'll have the opportunity to create a personal learning path based on their needs.

What should an online training course include?

Thus, your online training course should include a detailed explanation or list of the available materials. For example, the online training courses that employees must complete in order to broaden their understanding, or Open Educational Resources they can use to explore the subject matter asynchronously.

Decide What to Cover

Before you come with a structure for your course, make sure you have a clear idea about what material you are going to cover. It depends on what your subject is. For instance, if you are a product supplier to a particular group, your focus may be on finding the right way to woo the prospects.

Group the Subject into Modules

Once you have a clear idea of what you are going to cover, you have to break the subject into a reasonable outline. In order to learn how to structure an online course, this is an important thing to remember.

Break Down Your Modules into Sections

Taking the modules one by one, the material should be organized in a cohesive outline. For example, if the goal of your course is to teach how to record client information, you may focus on tracking purchases, recording personal information, and giving special incentives.

Use the Right Format

Several formats are available for delivering your course, and choosing the right format is of utmost importance. In your course, incorporate both classroom learning and online elements. Even though it is an online course, infusing some classroom learning elements into your course can be a great idea. Many course builders find it very helpful.

Put Links Between Sections

People looking for online courses want to learn on their own and they want to learn at their own pace. If different sections of your course are interlinked, self-learning will be easy for your visitors. Learners will be able to find the sections that they need. Putting links between sections requires a bit of technical knowledge.

Create a Roadmap

Before your course begins, make sure your students know what the course is going to teach them. If the structure is intuitive, your students will find it easy to figure out how to use the course. You can write the roadmap or use a flowchart, audio, or video clip. This is a matter of finding out what works for you.

Develop a Suitable Theme

Make sure you have a theme that reflects the structure of your course. For this, you may have to use a particular background color for each module. It can also mean recording the section or module numbers. For learners, these features can be really helpful.

How old do you have to be to use the eLearning website?

You must be at least 18 (eighteen) years of age to use this Website, participate in the Course or access any Services contained herein. By participating in the Course, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and may legally agree to this Agreement.

What happens if you don't pay for a course?

If payment is not complete by the specified Course Start Date, you will forfeit your place in the Course. Article 10 - ACCEPTABLE USE: You agree not to use the Course or the Website for any unlawful purpose or any purpose prohibited under this clause.

Can you use a course for any unlawful purpose?

You agree not to use the Course or the Website for any unlawful purpose or any purpose prohibited under this clause. You agree not to use the Course or the Website in any way that could damage the Course, Website, Services, or general business of the Course Provider.

What is course outline?

A course outline is one of the most crucial elements you can create for your online class. It’s the blueprint showing the foundational structure and design for ...

Why is it important to divide an online course into parts?

Designing an online course can be an overwhelming process, which is why it’s helpful to divide it up into parts. Your students will also be able to follow your course more easily if it’s broken down into a few digestible components.

Why do we need an outline?

An outline helps you keep your ideas organized when you are designing a course. It enables you to group together related topics, not to mention see the order in which topics need to be addressed. Starting with an outline helps you create the course more efficiently.

What is the best format for online courses?

Video. This format is becoming increasingly popular with online course creators, as it allows the instructor to communicate directly to students in a personable, relatable way. Video is best for demonstrating skills and giving easily-digestible presentations.

Why do people take online classes in person?

This is mostly because in-person classes rely on guidance from professors that allows for a more free-flowing structure. An online course, on the other hand, lends itself to easy confusion on the students’ part if not carefully structured.

How many lessons are in a module?

While modules should have the same basic structure, they don’t need to have the same number of lessons. One module may have only three lessons, while another module may have ten —and that’s perfectly fine! 4.

Research Your Competition

As soon as you have your idea for an online course and have a solid understanding of your target audience, take some time to research your competition. No matter what type, of course, you plan on hosting, there’s a good chance it’s already been done—so why not learn from your competitors?

Improve as You Go

It makes sense to wait until you have your whole class totally structured and ready-to-go before you open it up for registration, right? Think again. The smarter route to take is actually to complete a general outline for your course but to only complete about the first 1/3rd or 1/4th of its actual content for immediate release.

Choose the Right Platform

Speaking of sound and video problems, make sure you’ve chosen the right platform for hosting your online course. Ideally, your course should be seamless, easy to navigate, and contain quality video lectures that students can follow easily.

Set Manageable Goals

A great way to keep students motivated to continue through a course is to set small and manageable goals throughout. Ultimately, your students should be working towards a larger outcome (i.e. they should be able to walk away from your course able to do something new that they couldn’t do before they took your course).

Encourage Collaboration and Sharing

One of the inherent challenges of an online course, when compared to an in-person course, is the lack of easy collaboration and sharing among students. Still, there are plenty of ways to foster and encourage collaboration and communication among your students.

Provide Additional Resources

While keeping your course content short and sweet should always be your goal, it’s worth remembering that there will likely be a few students out of each group who will want to go “above-and-beyond.” For this reason, it’s never a bad idea to include some additional resources in your lectures for students who would like more information on a given topic..

What is a course shell?

A course shell reduces cognitive load, but there are specific steps that are required to implement it successfully.

Is there a similarity between online MPH courses?

In an ideal world, there would be a similarity between all courses as described earlier in the online MPH program. This requires a level of leadership, time, and cooperation that may be elusive—and perhaps not even universally desirable given the disparate needs of individual courses.

How many students have taken online courses?

According to a 10 year study conducted by the Online Learning Consortium, 6.7 million students have taken at least one online course and roughly thirty-two percent of all higher-education students now take at least one online course during their educational career. And these numbers continue to rise.

How to make a course interactive?

Plan for interaction! Make sure your course is rich in opportunities for students to engage with the content, with you and with each other. This means creating diverse activities like discussions, group work, case studies and collaborative problem-solving. Also, be sure to select resources that are relevant and present a variety of viewpoints and meet different learning styles. Consider multimedia, periodicals, web resources, etc.

What is an OER?

Open Educational Resources (OER) are freely accessible, open licensed, teaching and learning materials. There are worldwide repositories for the sharing and use of OER. Materials are available in almost any subject area and can include a single image, assignment or activity OR a full textbook and even an entire course.

Is online learning an alternative to traditional learning?

Online education is not an “alternative” to traditional classroom learning.

Can you teach an online course the first time?

Relax! You won’t be creating the perfect online course, at least not the first time you teach it. It takes teaching an online course a few semesters to improve and enhance it. Continue to experiment with new approaches, refining your teaching according to your learning objectives and the feedback of your students.