Preparing for Distance Learning: Designing an Online Student Orientation Course
ARTICLE
Jane Bozarth, Diane D. Chapman, Laura LaMonica
Journal of Educational Technology & Society Volume 7, Number 1, ISSN 1176-3647 e-ISSN 1176-3647
Abstract
This paper describes the analysis undertaken to design a 1-credit-hour online orientation course for students new to online learning. An instructional design team, as a part of an advanced instructional design course, worked with a university-based client. The client identified specific problem areas encountered by novice students of online courses and the team designed a comprehensive program to meet those needs. Analysis of the data revealed surprising differences in expectations between instructors of online courses and their students of what an orientation to online learning should include. The team also conducted a task analysis to aid in further identifying the skills, knowledge and attitudes required by students for success in online courses. Findings indicated that there is a need for online learners to understand the time commitment required of an online course and possess or develop strong time management skills. Because of small sample size, results cannot be generalized beyond the respondents. The authors found a mismatch in the perception of instructor technical skills versus student technical skill. Based on their findings, the paper provides recommendations on the appropriate design, development and implementation of an orientation to online learning. (Contains 7 figures and 1 table.)
Citation
Bozarth, J., Chapman, D.D. & LaMonica, L. (2004). Preparing for Distance Learning: Designing an Online Student Orientation Course. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 7(1), 87-106. Retrieved December 6, 2019 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/75162/.

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Keywords
- barriers
- Computer Assisted Instruction
- computer mediated communication
- distance education
- educational technology
- electronic learning
- Expectation
- instructional design
- internet
- online courses
- student attitudes
- Student Projects
- Surveys
- Task Analysis
- teacher attitudes
- Technical Support
- Time Factors (Learning)
- Time Management
- Virtual Classrooms
- Web Based Instruction
Cited By
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Influence of satisfaction and preparedness on online students' feelings of anxiety
M'hammed Abdous
Internet and Higher Education Vol. 41, No. 1 (April 2019) pp. 34–44
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Design-based research principles for student orientation to online study: Capturing the lessons learnt
Helen Wozniak, Jenny Pizzica, Mary Mahony & Mary Mahony
Australasian Journal of Educational Technology Vol. 28, No. 5 (Jan 01, 2012)
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Blended/Online Learner Orientations: Recommendations for Design
Patricia McGee, Erin Valdes & Danica Bullis, The University of Texas at San Antonio, United States
International Journal on E-Learning Vol. 15, No. 2 (May 2016) pp. 215–241
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Orienting students to online learning: going like a dream or still a nightmare?
Oriel Kelly, New Zealand Tertiary College
ASCILITE - Australian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education Annual Conference 2013 (2013)
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Co-Teaching an Online Action Research Class
Brent G. Wilson & Jennifer Linder VanBerschot
Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology / La revue canadienne de l’apprentissage et de la technologie Vol. 40, No. 2 (May 16, 2014)
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Co-teaching An Online Action Research Class
Brent Wilson & Jennifer Linder-VanBerschot, University of Colorado - Denver, United States
EdMedia + Innovate Learning 2012 (Jun 26, 2012) pp. 7–18
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What is the affect of an online orientation course on student satisfaction?
Mark Kelso, MK Company, United States
Global TIME 2011 (Feb 22, 2011) pp. 406–419
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