The Learner Is at the Center of the Course Design
Before the planning of a course, it is important to know the student. In addition to knowing what the
student needs to learn in terms of course content and concepts for the profession of nursing, it is
important to know each student’s characteristics, barriers to learning, and motivation for learning.
Years of working with adult practicing nurses have taught us much about what works for them in
terms of course design.
Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is at the heart of our online courses. Collaborativist learning theory
(previously known as online collaborative theory), as developed by Linda Harasim, was used for a
research study and found to provide an effective model to evaluate the student’s ability to
collaborate (Breen, 2015). The study is found in Chapter 15.
Develop a Clear and Consistent Structure
Within any program of study, it is important to have a consistent structure for all courses. It is very
frustrating for students to learn a new way to navigate each course within the same program of
study. It is equally important to provide a simple, consistent navigation system within each course
(Johnson & Meehan, 2013).
Collaborate on Course Design
When designing a course, collaborating with at least one colleague is an excellent way to achieve
high-quality course development. In many larger online institutions, it is not uncommon for online
design experts known as instructional designers to work closely with faculty as content experts to
develop an online course. We have found that collaboration is critical not only to have more than
one mind working on and reviewing a course but because collaboration among all faculty who teach
in the program ensures effective leveling of concepts.