Get a Team

Let's  talk about each of the roles and functions.

• Information Specialists

  Information specialists are sleuth hounds that know how to find things and make connections. They know how to put things together in ways that fit and make sense. They often include

  • Instructional designers
  • Librarians
  • Copyright specialists
  • Learning resources specialists

  Instructional Designer

  An instructional designer (ID) understands the methodology of developing instruction. IDs use empirically tested methods to

  • Analyze gaps between needs and goals
  • Implement color theory for effective design
  • Create navigation by considering desired and necessary paths to reach desired endpoints
  • Create learning activities
  • Develop assessment strategies

  Some IDs have the necessary technical skills to create interactive components and graphics; while others act as a liaison between designers and technical folks and the faculty developing the course. Check out this Arizona State University infographic about the roles of instructional designers.

  

• Web Specialists

  

  Web experts are the ones who can take your "I've always done this in my classroom" and turn it into "Here's how we can reach the same learning outcomes in your online classroom." They create interactivity and make your course visually appealing. These team members include:

  • Web developers
  • Graphic designer
  • Multimedia experts
  • Programmers

  The greater the interactivity that an online course contains in term of "cool" features such as personalized responses based on learner input, individualized navigation to different course components, and elements that move, make sounds, and change based on actions taken by the learner, the greater the need for one of these web specialists. Technology-rich courses require programming, multimedia design, and higher-end web development skills than most faculty and some IDs don't possess. As we noted in the How Long Does it Take? section, as the complexity of technology increases, the time to develop an online course generally has increased over the years.

  That is not to say that your course must contain all the "bells and whistles," but you should be aware that if you want these higher end components, you must plan not only for the increased development time but the need for external support and, generally, increased cost.

• Technical Specialists

  

  The tech guys and gals are the nuts-and-bolts go-to people for online courses. They are the ones who know how to make things work. They often use words that the rest of us can only vaguely understand (we often need those information specialists to translate what these specialists are telling us!). Their expertise covers the:

  • Learning and course management environment
  • Server and network
  • Videoconferencing hardware and software
  • Audio/visual hardware/software
  • General hardware/software

• Pedagogical Support

  

  Team members who provide pedagogical support frequently overlap with the Information Resources folks. Many higher education institutions now have centers for teaching and learning where this type of team member is housed. These individuals can provide you with information about:

  • Online curriculum development and adaptation
  • Online learning strategies
  • Assessment
  • Distance learning tools

  Faculty often find that the role of pedagogical support is supplied by the IDs. In addition to IDs, centers for teaching and learning often have instructional technologists. These individuals more closely align with learning technologies than with the design of courses. Both IDs and ITs often wear multiple hats although some institutions keep the roles siloed. Just check around and ask questions—you'll find the right person!

• Student Mentors

  During development of an online course and often during the course itself, if you have the opportunity to include student mentors among your support resources, you will find it well worth the cultivation of those relationships. These may be teaching assistants, but more than likely will be volunteers (this type of role is a great resume booster for students).

  These mentors should be versed in the functionality of your course management system and have some experience in distance learning including netiquette and technology tools.

  During development, these mentors are great sounding boards for you. Ask them things like:

  • What did you like best/least about online learning?
  • What techniques did you see implemented that really encouraged collaboration and community building?
  • What gave you and others the most struggles?

  Activity

  What other questions have crossed your mind that a former student who is technology-literate could answer for you? If it crossed your mind, it is worthwhile for you to find an answer and implement it or deal with it in your web-based course development.

  During the course, student mentors can remove a great burden from you as they can be the go-to individual when students are struggling with the technology components of a course or are feeling overwhelmed and think that everyone else is "getting it" but they don’t. Often students are more comfortable expressing their frustrations and lack of confidence with other students who "have been in their shoes" than they are talking it over with you.

• Resources Specialists

  Resources specialists serve students and course participants to ensure that everything in a learning environment works together to get the learner to the "next phase"—whatever that might: a new job, a first job, a new position, certification. In the section on FAQs we talked about how you don’t have to know all the answers; you just need to know how to get learners in touch with the right folks. You need to know how to correctly refer learners to:

  • Bookstores
  • Bursars
  • Financial aid
  • Technical support
  • Student services
  • Registrars
  • Human resources
  • Professional organizations

An instructional team is a great asset when are developing an online course or module; however, it is by no means a ubiquituous resource. I've presented a higher end option, but don't be dismayed or think that it is absolutely critical that you employ all of these roles and functions. Some of the best online courses begin simple and phase in the "WOW factor" over time. Don't try to eat the entire apple at one time; nibble the edges for a while then move to bigger bites as you're able to.

Activity

Identify your support team and the roles that each will play in supporting your move to online learning. If you are a sole practitioner, identify the resources that you have access to that will be able to support you in your move. Be sure to identify people such as colleagues and teaching and learning center consultants, librarians, and technology support. Take advantage of workshops and webinars that will help you to get up to speed. Develop your own network of supporting roles.

Next, we'll think about thinking!