While it is true you will eventually want your online course to be elegant and sophisticated (or fun and engaging), the first step in the creation of a course is a sturdy framework. You have to be sure learning outcomes and course resources are in line with student assessment requirements and that all of it is packaged in an easily navigable shell.
There are several different ways to dive into figuring this all out, but in the end there are four key things you will need to have decided upon:
Once you have these items drafted out, you can start putting them into place and filling in the gaps that arise.
When you begin putting together your course in the online environment, structure is the first thing that comes into play. You will want to lay out your course structure using folders. No matter the structure you are using (weeks, units, sections, etc.) it is highly advised to have a course introduction and overview area. Typically, this would be the first folder the students would be presented with and would contain the course syllabus, schedule, instructor bio, netiquette rules, and student introductions area.
Throughout the rest of the structure, it is important to keep things as uniform as possible. It is best if all sections are set up in the same basic way. This allows the students to get into a routine so they don't have to concentrate so much on how things are being presented and can concentrate more on what is being presented.
Objectives are very important because they help students see and understand the reason why they need to learn the information. Objectives should be stated as clearly as possible and from the students' perspective. Always keep in mind the course level when creating objectives. And finally, try to incorporate, as often as possible, how the students can meet the objectives. Indicate which assignments are meant to meet which objectives so the students can put the information together in the correct way.
There are many different ways to assess students' understanding of the material. Sometimes a simple test is all you need. Other times a full term paper is necessary. Often, a mix of the two is the most useful. It is important that all assessment measures back up course objectives. Busy work and assignments not related to the course materials and objectives are a waste of everyone's time.
There are so many resources out there it is easy to get overwhelmed. Try to keep asking yourself if the resources you are picking are supporting the course objectives. Even then it is sometimes hard to narrow down your options. Just remember, if it is hard for you (as an expert) to narrow down which are the best resources imagine how your students' (as novices) would feel if you presented them with too many options. While variety and quantity can be good, it can also be detrimental.
If you want to provide a magnitude of resources for your students be sure to qualify them in regards to the importance of the resources and which objectives they relate to. Let the students know if the resource is just for reference or extra reading. Point out what you want them to pay special attention to or what you would like them to get out of it.
With these four things (structure, objectives, assessment, and resources) thoroughly contemplated and implemented, the rest of your course should fall into place much more easily.
