When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 5 modules in this course
Online learning is essential for modern education. This course helps educators redesign and optimise face-to-face content for online environments, ensuring learners stay connected and engaged. It addresses how technology changes education delivery and consumption.
This course is for teachers and educators new to online learning or those adapting existing resources. It covers key concepts for effective online teaching and digital content design.
By the end, you will:
- Understand online learning's evolution and future possibilities.
- Explain how blended and online learning needs differ from traditional settings.
- Select and use techniques and tools to improve digital learning skills.
No specific software is required. Learners should have a background in traditional teaching or education roles.
Welcome to Module 1! This module discusses the evolution of online course design. Technology has transformed how learners study, offering diverse online learning models. Understand how online learning continues to grow globally. You will gain insight into its historical context and current trends.
What's included
5 videos9 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 40 minutes
Welcome to Online Education: The Foundations of Online Teaching•3 minutes
Module 1 Overview•2 minutes
The TPACK Framework•7 minutes
Synchronous Versus Asynchronous Learning •6 minutes
Podcast | What is the Hyflex Model of Teaching?•22 minutes
9 readings•Total 177 minutes
Welcome to Online Education: The Foundations of Online Teaching•20 minutes
Welcome to Country•10 minutes
Course Overview •5 minutes
Bio of video subject matter expert - Professor Matt Bower •2 minutes
Modalities of online learning•15 minutes
Podcast | Subject matter expert - Professor Ronika Power•5 minutes
Welcome to Module 2! This module examines transactional distance, a key concept for online teaching. Physical distance presents challenges, but building online presence helps. We will study the Critical Community of Inquiry Model, focusing on teacher, social, and cognitive presence. These concepts guide effective teaching behaviours and learning design for successful online experiences.
What's included
4 videos6 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 39 minutes
Module 2 Overview•2 minutes
Transactional Distance•8 minutes
Community of Inquiry •8 minutes
Podcast | Education, Technology and the Benefits of Moving Outside Your Comfort Zone as an Educator, With Grazia Scotellaro•21 minutes
6 readings•Total 137 minutes
Bio of Video Subject Matter Expert - Professor Garry Falloon•5 minutes
Minimizing Transactional Distance in Online Learning•5 minutes
Module 2 Challenge Exercise | Understanding Transactional Distance and Empathizing With Your Learners•60 minutes
Additional learning resources•60 minutes
Reference List•2 minutes
2 assignments•Total 35 minutes
Module 2 Recall Quiz•15 minutes
Module 2 Graded Quiz•20 minutes
Building Digital Learning Skills
Module 3•4 hours to complete
Module details
Welcome to Module 3! This module examines cognitive load. Educators must prevent cognitive overload, which impacts student learning. We will review practical tips and techniques to manage cognitive load. We also discuss creating supportive, inclusive online learning environments, providing practical tips to set up your online course for student success.
What's included
4 videos6 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 26 minutes
Module 3 Overview•2 minutes
Managing Cognitive Load•6 minutes
Nurturing Your Student's Learning Journey•6 minutes
Podcast | What can 'hands on learning' look like in an online space?•12 minutes
6 readings•Total 156 minutes
Bio of Video Subject Matter Expert - Associate Professor Agnes Bosanquet•2 minutes
Tried and Tested: Tips for Online Teaching•20 minutes
Podcast | Subject Matter Expert - Dr Kelly Johnston•4 minutes
Module 3 Challenge exercise | Improving the learner experience•60 minutes
Additional Learning Resources•60 minutes
Reference List•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 35 minutes
Module 3 Recall quiz•15 minutes
Module 3 Graded Quiz•20 minutes
Building Learning Communities
Module 4•4 hours to complete
Module details
Welcome to Module 4! This module defines 'learning community' and shows how to create one using online discussion forums. Research indicates that meaningful, inclusive learning communities foster belonging, supporting deep learning and improving student performance. Learn how online educators use discussion forums to build effective learning communities.
What's included
5 videos6 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 54 minutes
Module 4 overview•2 minutes
The foundations of online learning communities•6 minutes
Designing online discussion forums•6 minutes
Podcast | Creating Connection in a Virtual Learning Space•24 minutes
Podcast | Is Team-Based Learning (TBL) Online Effective?•15 minutes
6 readings•Total 167 minutes
Bio of video subject matter expert - Dr Shazia K Jan•10 minutes
Module 4 Challenge exercise | Design your own online discussion forum•60 minutes
Additional Learning Resources•60 minutes
Reference List•2 minutes
2 assignments•Total 35 minutes
Module 4 Recall quiz•15 minutes
Module 4 Graded Quiz•20 minutes
Future of Online Learning
Module 5•4 hours to complete
Module details
Welcome to Module 5! This module considers the future of online education. We will investigate emerging technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence, discussing their impact on the education sector. The course concludes by emphasising continuous upskilling for online educators. We provide practical tips to create your future online teaching professional development action plan.
What's included
4 videos6 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 43 minutes
Module 5 Overview•2 minutes
Understanding the Importance of Maintaining Currency•8 minutes
The future of online learning•8 minutes
Podcast | Trends in technology, software and education•25 minutes
6 readings•Total 175 minutes
Teaching in the digital age•30 minutes
Podcast | Subject Matter Expert - Michael Rampe•5 minutes
Macquarie is ranked among the top one per cent of universities in the world, and with a 5-star QS rating, we are recognised for producing graduates who are among the most sought-after professionals in the world. Since our foundation 54 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university: one focused on fostering collaboration between students, academics, industry and society.
Online teaching involves delivering educational content and facilitating learning experiences remotely, using digital tools and platforms. This course covers foundational concepts for effective online education.
How does instructional design apply to online courses?
Instructional design for online courses focuses on structuring content, activities, and assessments to optimise learning in a virtual environment. This includes adapting traditional methods for digital delivery.
What skills will I gain for digital learning?
You will gain skills in designing engaging digital content, managing online learning environments, fostering student engagement, and using education software and technology for teaching.
Who benefits from this online education course?
This course benefits educators, teachers, and trainers who are new to online instruction or wish to enhance their existing online teaching practices and content design skills.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.