Online learning is essential for modern education. This course helps educators redesign and optimise face-to-face content for online environments, ensuring learners stay connected and engaged. It addresses how technology changes education delivery and consumption.

Online education: The foundations of online teaching
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Online education: The foundations of online teaching
This course is part of Online Learning Design for Educators Specialization

Instructor: Billy Bruce
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What you'll learn
Understand online learning evolution and future trends.
Design online learning to meet diverse learner needs.
Apply techniques and tools for digital learning skills.
Create supportive online learning communities.
Skills you'll gain
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There are 5 modules in this course
Welcome to Module 1! This module discusses the evolution of online course design. Technology has transformed how learners study, offering diverse online learning models. Understand how online learning continues to grow globally. You will gain insight into its historical context and current trends.
What's included
5 videos9 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts
Welcome to Module 2! This module examines transactional distance, a key concept for online teaching. Physical distance presents challenges, but building online presence helps. We will study the Critical Community of Inquiry Model, focusing on teacher, social, and cognitive presence. These concepts guide effective teaching behaviours and learning design for successful online experiences.
What's included
4 videos6 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
Welcome to Module 3! This module examines cognitive load. Educators must prevent cognitive overload, which impacts student learning. We will review practical tips and techniques to manage cognitive load. We also discuss creating supportive, inclusive online learning environments, providing practical tips to set up your online course for student success.
What's included
4 videos6 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
Welcome to Module 4! This module defines 'learning community' and shows how to create one using online discussion forums. Research indicates that meaningful, inclusive learning communities foster belonging, supporting deep learning and improving student performance. Learn how online educators use discussion forums to build effective learning communities.
What's included
5 videos6 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
Welcome to Module 5! This module considers the future of online education. We will investigate emerging technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence, discussing their impact on the education sector. The course concludes by emphasising continuous upskilling for online educators. We provide practical tips to create your future online teaching professional development action plan.
What's included
4 videos6 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
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Reviewed on May 17, 2023
It is fabulous and very useful course, I have learnt new things.
Reviewed on Nov 27, 2021
I think this is a good introductory course. I recommed this course especially for early career educators as part of their professional development.
Reviewed on Aug 8, 2022
The content was simple and the presentation was excellent. Thank you team for providing such great courses for online educators.

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Frequently asked questions
Online teaching involves delivering educational content and facilitating learning experiences remotely, using digital tools and platforms. This course covers foundational concepts for effective online education.
Instructional design for online courses focuses on structuring content, activities, and assessments to optimise learning in a virtual environment. This includes adapting traditional methods for digital delivery.
You will gain skills in designing engaging digital content, managing online learning environments, fostering student engagement, and using education software and technology for teaching.
More questions
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