Research into the Design of K-12 Online Learning Activity

1. Critique the iNACOL National Standards for Quality Online Courses based on the literature related to asynchronous course design (both K-12 and higher education).

     The National Standards for Quality Online Courses is extremely thorough.  Included within the document is also a diagram of Blended Learning Models.  Some of the standards are the same as with a face-to-face class course design.  For example Section A number 1.  "The goals and objectives clearly state what the participants will know or be able to do at the end of the course.  The goals and objectives are measurable in multiple ways." There are many others that are similar too and would apply to both online and face-to-face.  
     Some of the standards seem very easy to note if present or not.  An example would be Section A number 6. "A clear, complete course overview and syllabus are included in the course."  Others have room for some interpretation such as Section A number 3.  "The course content and assignments are of sufficient rigor, depth and breadth to teach the standards being addressed."  Perhaps, this would require an opinion and evaluation to determine if this standard was met in a satisfactory fashion.  Again, Section B number 3 "The course instruction includes activities that engage students in active learning" is as well open for interpretation.  
     I was interested in the course evaluation (course effectiveness) in Section E.  In every online course that I have taken, I always have completed an assessment or survey about the course.  The information is gathered to make improvements in the course.  An orientation has always been offered as well in one form or another.  It seems as if the course should be accessible to all students.  On the other hand, it seems that you must have the technology requirements and prerequisite skills.  Perhaps, this would be provided if necessary.  The feedback (Section C number 3) is a very important part of an online course.  This provides ongoing assessments to make sure that the student understands the content presented.  Over the next few weeks in a distance education course at UWG, we will have the opportunity to evaluate a course using the National Standards for Quality Online Courses.