Best Practices in Online Learning

We are committed to providing the highest quality online learning courses. Within a learner-centred, research intensive environment, distance learning experiences should reflect the high pedagogical standards for which the University of Guelph and Humber College are known.

The following criteria have been developed to guide us in our development and redevelopment of online learning courses.

Online learning courses should:

• reflect the highest levels of scholarship in discipline and subject area

• utilize and provide access to current content, materials, and resources

• exhibit well thought out aims, goals, and objectives

• have pedagogically sound learning outcomes

• have a clear and logical structure and sequence of learning activities (learning plan)

• disseminate current research findings and promote various forms of inquiry

• set realistic yet challenging expectations of learners

• promote active learning, independence of thought, and where appropriate, problem solving

• exhibit a clearly definable educational philosophy and teaching/learning strategies

• accommodate a variety of learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)

• utilize a variety of appropriate learning resources (print, video, CD-ROM, WWW, etc.)

• link to the University of Guelph and Humber College libraries and to the counselling and student resource centres

• foster learner-instructor and learner-learner communication and interaction

• integrate appropriate technology into the course learning framework

• allow for frequent and meaningful feedback on learner progress

• provide for suitable assessment methods measuring success in accomplishment of course goals and outcomes

• exhibit sensitivity to learners of varying ages, backgrounds, and experience

• be appropriate for an international audience (awareness of and sensitivity to cultural differences)

• exhibit proper standards in the use of the language of instruction and the rules of grammar

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