Essentials of Online Course Design: A Standards-based Guide

"With an unusual degree of clarity, both in terms of information and in terms of graphic design, this is a remarkably helpful guide to those interested in online teaching. The authors take the reader step-by-step into the online instructional world; they provide an inviting and structured approach, with numerous practical, real-life examples. Novice and experienced online faculty will find this a true resource."--- Elizabeth Dickey, President, Bank Street College of Education

"Essentials of Online Course Design is essential for anyone looking to maintain the highest standards of quality for online course design. From understanding what online students need and the components of online teaching to integrating the voice of the practitioner, this book covers it all and covers it superbly."--- Felice Nudelman, Executive Director, Education, The New York Times Company

In spite of the proliferation of online learning in higher education, creating online courses can still evoke a good deal of frustration, negativity, and wariness in those who need to create them.

Essentials of Online Course Design takes a fresh, thoughtfully designed, step-by-step approach to online course development. At its core is a set of standards that are based on best practices in the field of online teaching and learning. Pedagogical, organizational, and visual design principles are presented and modeled throughout the book, and users will quickly learn from the guide's hands-on approach. The course design process begins with the elements of a classroom syllabus which, after a series of guided steps, easily evolve into an online course outline.

Essentials of Online Course Design serves as a best-practices model for designing online courses. After reading this book, readers will find that preparing for online teaching is, contrary to popular belief, a satisfying and engaging experience. The core issue is simply good design: pedagogical, organizational, and visual.

Marjorie Vai has been directly involved with online education and training for almost 25 years. Most recently, she designed and developed the online Masters Degree Program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL) at The New School, New York.
Kristen Sosulski is the Academic Director of Distance Learning and a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies.