Some Features To Look For In An Online Course Development Software

Distance education (online education) is not simply putting the lecture notes up on the web. It involves many other aspects too. A good online course includes various tools related to teaching and other innovative technologies. These tools are discussion boards, proper e-mail communication, short and descriptive assignments, good chat facility, blogs and so on. In brief, for every university dealing in online courses, it is very important to have a proper online course development software.

An online course development software serves the purpose of course development efficiently. This software includes many unique features that help in constructing the online course systematically. The first feature is the instructional design feature. The main objectives of this feature are as follows:-

* To identify the goals and aims of the course. * To point out the current and new resources for course development. * Create the outlines of course along with its structure and elements. * Give a sum-up of the software and various instructional tools along with course templates. * To use a common element to develop templates and pages of the course. * Apply or propose new learning strategies for online work. * Clearly define the options present for assessments, group work, discussions, etc. * Ensure proper process flow.

Next feature is the web page design feature of an online course development software. This feature has the objective of developing course web pages using simple and common software like FrontPage or Dream Weaver. Development of course web-pages has to be done in accordance to the universitys guidelines and principles. Suitable images are to be developed by proper editing for online as well as class material. For presentation purposes, good slides must be scanned to get high resolution images so that they can be used in online course material.

Some other features of an online course development software are loading all the developed material such as course material, presentations, audio-video files, etc. An online course development software also helps creates various online quizzes and their administrative tools. Quizzes can be developed in simple word files. An online grade book is also developed to allow viewing of latest results of assignments, tests, quizzes etc.

Maintaining a duplicate copy of complete course material and its tools is also a part of this software. In addition to all this, the online course development software also creates various discussion forums, topics and allows different level of access according to the type of user. Once the entire course has been developed and loaded, it becomes very important to keep a good track of it for any kind of discrepancies that may appear.

The online course development software must allow a proper interaction between the students and faculty members. A good online course development software must also provide access to some external resources like sample examination questions providers and other useful software providers.