Topic 4

Critique the iNACOL National Standards for Quality Online Courses based on the literature related to asynchronous course design (both K-12 and higher education).

I was not familiar with the National Standards for Quality Online Courses before reviewing them for this topic. There was an older version of standards and there was a need to develop a newer version of standards. The standards can be used for any type of online instruction. Blended learning includes a variety of online learning, ranging from the face-to-face teacher teaching with digital tools to a complete curriculum being online. I think these standards are very important to online learning. The standards ensure quality instruction for students and help them to be successful.

The standards have certainly helped me in my coursework as an online student, like a clear course syllabus should be included in the course and resources that enrich course content should be available to students. Those are just two examples of standards that I can relate to personally. I have struggled with courses that did not give a clear syllabus. It is very difficult to know exactly what is expected of you if it is not made clear at the beginning of the course. Having resources to provide background knowledge into something that we are discussing is very helpful also.

I feel that standards are imperative for any kind of learning because they support the learner when used properly. The learner is the reason for learning and teachers need to make sure they are doing all they can to help students thrive.

References

International Council for K-12 Online Learning. (2007). National standards for quality online courses. Vienna, VA: Author. Retrieved from http://www.inacol.org/research/nationalstandards/iNACOL_CourseStandards_2011.pdf