Non-verbal cues are missing in most online courses, so it can be helpful for readers if we incorporate clear design concepts. Headings should be descriptive and show the hierarchy of ideas. Visual aids help orient students to the course. Learning activities, like asking students to summarize or rephrase in a learning journal, work as verification techniques to reinforce the concepts.
Open Learning’s editing team works in support of TRU’s intercultural and indigenization academic goals. (See, for example, http://www.tru.ca/about/academics/understanding.html.) This article that Gail shared on indigenization may be of interest in our work: Academica Group. (2016, September 19). How indigenization can support students while honouring reconciliation. Retrieved from http://forum.academica.ca/forum/how-indigenization-can-support-students-while-honouring-reconciliation.
Use bold, not asterisks, to indicate answers for a quiz or exam.
The editors’ team has started bi-weekly professional development seminars. We take turns facilitating the meetings, and we co-create the content to share our expertise and fill-in gaps in our knowledge. We have not chosen a way to reify or apply the new learning, but I’m sure a creative expression of our learning will present itself…
Reflective practice is a valuable approach to editing. Reflecting critically on our work allows us to learn, innovate, and ultimately improve our courses. eCampusAlberta’s eLearning Rubric can be a valuable tool to self-assess the quality of our work: http://www.ecampusalberta.ca/files/rubricBooklet.pdf. Their rubric offers benchmarks for course design, accessibility, presentation, writing, learning activities, assessments, copyright, learner supports, etc. The checklist has many good ideas for course developers and editors: Some we…
Self-care is a concept taught in our CYMH courses, which can be beneficial for editors as well. Self-care refers to activities we choose to do to improve our mood, enhance our physical and mental health, and avoid burn-out. Regularly doing self-care reduces stress, and promotes mindfulness and work/life balance. So what, exactly, does self-care mean…