Interviews with students revealed that they preferred a submodule-based layout with three submodules:
- Study: Includes a list of deliverables and course materials (readings, videos, etc.) relevant to that module.
- Apply: Assessments and activities that provide an opportunity for the student to practice and demonstrate their mastery of the learning objectives.
- Review: A wrap-up module to review key concepts, reflect on performance, and preview upcoming work.
Review Content Modules for more information about module organization.
Deliverables List
It is standard practice across Online BBA courses to feature a list of deliverables to complete in a particular module. This list includes brief descriptions of readings, videos, and other course materials; an overview of assessments and activities; reminders to prepare for upcoming modules; and reflection opportunities. Due dates and time-to-complete estimates often accompany this list of work.
Student survey data showed that Online BBA Students preferred the Checklist tool over a similarly designed HTML page. Of 12 students, ten preferred the Checklist tool, while the remaining two had no preference between the HTML page or the Checklist tool. Students also indicated that this checklist should appear at the beginning of each content module in the Study submodule.
Course Materials
Students preferred direct links to course materials gathered in a “Study” submodule instead of a single HTML page with multiple links to materials. When possible, link to or directly upload course materials. One exception is video. Most Kaltura videos are embedded in an HTML page in Online BBA courses. Additionally, most courses include downloadable PDFs of lecture slides. (Remember to check that these slides are accessible to all users.) If the course requires HTML pages, review HTML Page Organization for tips on organizing content in HTML pages.
Activities and Assessments
Students preferred a module design that grouped activities and assessments together into an “Apply” submodule. Students preferred keeping all assignment details in the assignments tool instead of referring to a separate HTML page.
Reflection and Review
In interviews, students had mixed reactions to a conclusion page that primarily restated learning objectives. Some said that a conclusion page was redundant. They also felt that completing ungraded reflection activities was not a productive use of their time. If including these activities in a course, be explicit about why they are valuable from the student’s perspective.
I don’t think anybody takes surveys seriously. Weekly surveys, no one is going to take. Even if they do, they are not going to be honest because it is not graded.
If it’s not an actionable item, then I don’t know if I would read it.
I wouldn’t expect it, but it’s nice to have a simple overview, I guess.
When asked what they’d find most helpful when they finish module activities, students wanted to preview the next modules and reminders about upcoming assignments. Based on findings from the Online BBA course review, other types of activities that could live in the Review submodule include reflection surveys or Q&A discussion boards.