Implementation is the step in which you deliver your course to the target audience. In other words, the effectiveness of your course design will be tested and confirmed. A solid groundwork is critical for a smooth and successful implementation of all instructional strategies. A few key tips for implementation, based upon online learning best practices, include:

• Predictability: Write detailed, sensible policies and consistent information to help create predictability from the student’s perspective.
• Organization: Provide students guidance about how to use the course management tools effectively (e.g., threaded discussions, assignments, quizzes, etc.).
• Preparedness: Know your syllabus, resources, and learner support systems to respond to students’ questions timely and completely.
• Resourcefulness and Planning: Identify alternative plans for delivering the course in the event of technology issues or modifying activities if students are not “getting it”.
• Responsiveness: Counteract the negative aspects of the distance separating you and the students by monitoring your online courses frequently and responding to student concerns timely.

Additional Suggestions for Course Implementation

• Hold regular online office hours.
• Encourage dialogue by building student contributions with examples of your own experiences or relating it to the core content.
• Reiterate critical information to clarify assignment instructions, course processes, and other important details.
• Model your expectations.
• Manage conflict between and among students.
• Create an interactive online classroom culture.
• Monitor all aspects of the online environment simultaneously (as much as possible).