Another thing you will need to think about is whether the course will be synchronous (i.e. offered in real time or “live” where everyone is online at the same time) or if it will be asynchronous (i.e. people log in and participate at their convenience).
There are benefits and drawbacks to each approach, and the method you choose will depend on a number of factors including the type of online learning technology you are using, the teaching approach you are taking and the location of the participants. For example, if your course is open to registration from across Canada, you will have to factor in time zones for a synchronous course. On the other hand, an asynchronous course is available at whatever time is convenient for the participant. For synchronous delivery, just like with a face-to-face training session, you will need to have all of your resources readily available, and you may be required to answer questions on the spot. Discussion can use up time that you had planned for other activities or it can veer off topic. However, controlling discussion is sometimes easier in a synchronous online format than a face-to-face session because the technology may allow you to control if and when participants can speak. In an asynchronous setting, discussions can be more structured and you have time to reflect on questions and formulate a written response to a difficult question or do research if needed. You can also close discussions and moderate postings if needed.
Perhaps you would like to offer a combination of the two approaches. For example, you might want to have the majority of the course be offered asynchronously but include the opportunity for a live chat when everyone can be online at the same time.
Depending on the course content (and other considerations including travel), you might also want to offer a face-to-face meeting or session as part of your online course. You can mix and match approaches (synchronous, asynchronous, face-to-face) in any combination that works for you and your participants, and fits within your capacity to deliver the training in terms of time, money and human resources.
