Once you have developed your online course design and content you will also need to think about your learning activities. Be sure to remember adult learning principles (such as the extensive life/work experience adults bring to learning) when creating activities. Also remember to ensure that the learning activities link back to the overall learning outcomes for your training event.
Just like traditional face-to-face training, learning activities in online training can take on many formats. The online approach you are using (self-study, facilitated, synchronous, asynchronous, etc.) will often help determine the scope of your activities. For example, if you set up a self-study website with training modules that participants can access freely at their convenience, it would be very difficult to include any type of group learning activity because this type of training is very much an individual pursuit. However, if you host a synchronous training event, you may have the option to set up breakout rooms where participants can be divided into groups to carry out an activity. If your online course is delivered asynchronously using an online classroom, you may also be able to assign participants to work within a group. Discussion forums are an excellent way for the entire group to reflect on content or delve deeper into the topic being studied. These forums can also be set up with separate threads so that smaller group discussions can take place.
When deciding what type of activities to include in your online training, you will want to first discover what is available. Take some time to explore the online learning technology you are using and become familiar with the possibilities. Some of the features provided by various online learning technologies includes the ability to link to websites, incorporate audio and video, set up discussion forums and chats, communicate via e-mail and more. Learning management systems such as Desire2Learn and Blackboard include the capability to upload assignments, administer tests and set up self-marking quizzes. Be sure to check out the Technology module in order to learn more about the various features and possibilities of common online learning technologies.
If you are developing activities for teaching literacy skills and are looking for some creative ideas, be sure to visit Larry Ferlazzo's Best Ways to Create Online Content Quickly and Easily blog posting. Mr. Ferlazzo is an educator who regularly posts interesting and useful sites and “best of” lists on his blog: http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org.
However, although creativity is wonderful and exciting and the possibilities are virtually endless thanks to ever-emerging technology, once again we caution that the focus of your online training should be the content and the learning, not the technology. The technology should enhance the learning, not be the focal point.
