In Session 1, we've seen that separation between learner and learning resource is the defining attribute of all types of distance education. We've explored how an instructional designer must choose strategies to compensate for loss of a critical feedback loop we take for granted as classroom teachers. We've seen how the presence or absence of an instructional leader affects design.

In the classroom, the teacher and the learners operate in the same physical space. All participants dedicate the same chunk of time to class meetings. As an instructor, you can count on this consistency. But in the online world, you can't count on such uniformity. In this session, we'll look at how you can plan for such uncertainty.

You can start by looking at the local context in which students will be using your resource. What conditions will learners be dealing with at their end? What are they going to need from your resource as a consequence?

School, Work or Home?

Technology Concerns

The Social Context

Activities