Abstract
In the year 2020, the e-learning industry has seen a rapid, albeit unexpected, transition into mass distance learning. As a provider of adult learning and professional education, General Assembly found itself having to modify curriculum designed for a physical environment to meet the learning needs of a online space from February to March of 2020 due to Covid-19. Recognizing this was much more than merely changing the delivery medium from in-person to fully online classrooms, the Instructional Design Team completed an extensive analysis on 1) how we historically planned for in-person and online deliveries and 2) how we supported instructors beyond the initial technical setup and how-tos. Through the analysis, the team discovered that robust facilitation support in the lessons, when paired with instructor ongoing training on curriculum implementation, is key to sustaining instructor motivation and the online classroom learning experience. We focused our efforts on developing objective-led learning experiences and supporting instructors in implementing learning activities such as small group critiques, pair designing or programming, hands-on workshops, and open discussions that mirror those in a physical setting. In this case study, we examine the General Assembly’s process of developing easy-to-adopt and flexibly designed curriculum that also serves to support the instructor in delivering authentic learning experiences. From our findings, we share our tried-and-true practices to help other organizations transcend social distance in learning as well as our next steps for continuous improvement.
Presenters
Janet ShihSenior Instructional Designer, General Assembly, United States Maria Weaver
Sr. Content Strategy Manager, Udemy , United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
2021 Special Focus - Transcending Social Distance: Emerging Practices in e-Learning
KEYWORDS
CURRICULUM, DESIGN, E-LEARNING, FACILITATION, IN-PERSON, INSTRUCTOR, LEARNER, MOTIVATION, REMOTE, VIRTUAL
