Creating an online university course : a formative evaluation process

Abstract

The purpose ofthis project was to develop an online version of a course currently offered in face-to-face format at the University of Lethbridge--Information Systems and Management. This is a third-year course in information systems required by Management students in the Information Systems major. Two online modules were developed as prototypes and tested on two classes for a two-week period during the regular semester. The students then filled out a satisfaction survey. The results returned by the 57 students showed that they already had a fair knowledge of computers and did not have many technical problems while using the online modules. Regarding the online content, many students did not use the supplementary links provided, and many did not appreciate the similarity of content between the textbook and the online modules. Taking into account the feedback given by the students, the rest of the modules for the online course were then developed. A survey form to evaluate the online course was also developed, similar to the one used for the online modules. Developing an online course was a tremendous amount of work but a very rewarding experience. The experiences the researcher underwent in creating this online course will be useful to others contemplating or going through the process of creating their own online courses.