A famous quote by a well-known 20th century academic, Herbert Simon states  "learning results from what the student does and thinks and ONLY from what the student does and thinks. The teacher can advance learning only by influencing what the student does to learn." Instruction in an online environment encourages a shift from instructor/content-centered to learner-centered instructional strategies. Learner-centered instruction encourages self-directed learning abilities and other skills that are critical to learners' success in an online environment. "Online learners, like customers, are satisfied when they receive responsive, timely, and personalized services and support, along with high-quality learning outcomes" (Lorenzo & Moore, 2002) as such effective online instruction should be not only be focused on ensuring that the learner needs as a whole remain centric to the course design .

Much like the structure of a building requires intentionality in its design, the same is true for instruction and digital learning. Research has repeatedly shown that effective instruction is the result of systematic design practices and in this course, you will learn about the systematic process of course design known as Instructional Design. Instructional design can be defined as "Instructional Design (ID) is a process that can help improve the design and development of courses and course content" (Northern Illinois University Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, 2012). It's important for instructors to have an effective plan in place that not only ensures that the instruction meets the intended learning goals but that potential student issues are anticipated and avenues for students support are put in place to encourage student success.

The concept of alignment is that desired course outcomes, learning objectives, assessments, and teaching and learning activities should provide consistency for students and support better construction of course concepts (Wiggens & McTighe, 2005). In this course, you will find that the concept of alignment is critical to the design and development of a quality online course. We have heard from many faculty that a careful look at alignment has positively impacted their face-to-face teaching as well.

An overarching theme that should ground your course design is inclusion. Special considerations need to be taken to ensure that your course design promotes an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment for your students.  Studies have shown that a student's individual experiences and background have an impact on their learning, motivation, and overall course satisfaction and experience (Sneed, 2016) Links to an external site.. Consequently, it is important to design a course that intentionally integrates inclusive practices and strategies.

Research has shown that online and blended instruction that focuses more on active learner engagement and interactive activities where the learner is placed in situations that promote deeper thinking and interaction with the course materials, environment, and their peers, rather than passive content consumption allows for better learner retention and mastery. As in a traditional classroom setting, the interaction between peers, instructors, and content makes for effective digital learning experiences. (Lorenzo & Moore, 2002; Hayes, 2015 Links to an external site.). Learners should be encouraged to actively participate in the learning process and create connections between pre-existing knowledge and new information. 

Learning should not happen in a vacuum but because of the physical differences in location, many online learners are prone to feelings of isolation which can be detrimental to their success and it can hinder motivation (Kilgore, 2016). Learners are more likely to be motivated, satisfied with their learning, and be successful in achieving course goals when they perceive themselves as belonging to a larger community. (Pacansky-Brock, 2021, Picciano, 2002; Rovai & Barnum, 2003;  Richardson & Swan, 2003). Relationships in communities of learning help to increase student engagement which in turn helps to stimulate learning (Trowler, 2010) Links to an external site..