Introduction to the Process :

Hi. I am Peg Weissinger, Director of the Extended Learning Institute, the Distance learning unit for Northern Virginia Community College. I am delighted that you are choosing distance learning as an option for students in Northern Virginia and for those beyond our region. Simply because you are listing to me right now, I know that you are interested in improving and updating your course materials to improve learning. And course improvement results in course completion and long-term retention and student success. The course revision process begins with three steps.

First, take an honest look at your current course. Complete the Course Revision Form, located on the college distance learning website under faculty services. The address is http://eli.nvcc.edu/. An important part of this form is the gathering of data from previous semesters. How have students done in past semesters? Do you have a high success rate? A high non-start rate? Instructions for locating this important data from previous semesters is also available on the website.

Second, ask someone to complete a peer review of your course. Having another set of eyes look at your course is very important. In fact, having several people with differing levels of subject-matter expertise is helpful. A faculty colleague can review for course content. An instructional designer can review for soundness of instruction. Someone with no previous background in your subject matter or in distance learning can review for clarity in instructions, organization, and expectations. Are all the elements there? How is it organized? Research is telling us that student success is often related to the relationships established with faculty. Are you and your personality infused into your course?

Once the peer review is completed, you are ready to embark on your course revision. Target at least one area or concept for improvement. These areas are often indicated by questions consistently missed on an exam or habitual weak areas in projects. Return to the student suggestions shared in a mid-semester course feedback or end-of-semester evaluation. Go back to the suggestions from the peer review. Add a personal introduction in your course. An instructional designer can provide you with a draft to begin the process and once you are happy with the script, they can help you record the message and place it in your course.

Once you have a snapshot of the course as it is now, raise the bar. Dream big. What have you always wanted to do in your course but never thought was possible? Your instructional designer can work with you to design a new approach or use a new technology. With technology, ideas are achievable in virtual environments that could never be accomplished in traditional classrooms.

To summarize, complete the course revision form. Have someone complete a peer review. And then begin to dream about the possibilities. Looking forward to working with you on your course revision.