Peer Review

The course is organized and moves through key content using written text and with audio highlighting the written text in the video clips. What is presented is clear and specific. The information in the modules scaffolds the content helping to reinforce the learning of concepts from previous modules. The learning assignments for this course are linked directly to MERLOT and assessment criteria for the assignments is provided.

The content is all text. The videos are all text with audio. There are gaps in how to implement some of the identified strategies. If this is new material for the learner, he or she may become frustrated.

A novice instructor (whether teacher or trainer) might need additional guidance on how to practically implement the strategies. Perhaps active engagement in a group setting (Module 5, which covers managing and facilitating groups) would be a wonderful place to include such practice activities. Seasoned online instructors might learn new strategies, but the learning material might largely serve to refresh previously learned skills.

The overarching learning objective is to instructors (whether teacher or trainers) design, launch, and administer an active-learning course for adults that can be delivered in a face-to-face, remote or asynchronous modality. The strategies proposed will help with student engagment (which can directly affect learning outcomes in positive ways), but also gives instructors of any discipline the tools and strategies to enhance his or her course by incorporating active learning in a teaching and learning context.

The learning material provides self-reflective and peer-engagement opportunities in each module. Taking a thoughtful approach to the assigned coursework in this learning activity will help the instructor prepare applicable lessons for his or her learners. Although slated as a seven-week training filled with varied learning activities, the course content will not overwhelm a busy teaching or training professional.  

The lack of visuals to support the concepts and information being shared may hinder and frustrate learners. Most of the instruction is direct instruction which precludes opportunities for learning experiences.

The material appears to be for a specific course. There is not a way for those viewing or going through the course now to actually submit the assignments or tasks.

The course site and e-book are laid out in a clear and concise way with a clean design. These qualities make the learning materials easy to navigate with a presentation that does not overwhelm the reader. The the Google Translate widget added to the site, the course material can be translated into any language.

Although due dates were listed for assignments and tasks, no information on expected or anticipated time to complete modules or assignments is provided. No indication of how feedback will occur. (This may be due to the fact the course was designed for a specific group of students back in 2014.)