Course Design and Elements

Course Design

The design and structure of PBS TeacherLine courses are based on best practices and current research that highlights the importance of online learning communities. This is not a self-paced course for a learner to complete in isolation. In fact, most new ideas are formed through collaboration with other participants. Some key course design features include:

Collaboration: Group interaction among learners and the facilitator is crucial to a successful online learning experience. The discussion board area allows you and your fellow learners to create a supportive community which fosters learning.
Scheduled Online Discussions: Discussions are initiated by your facilitator at scheduled intervals throughout the course. This allows you and your colleagues to focus on the same topic at the same time and engage in high-quality group discussions.
Asynchronous Communication: You and your fellow learners may not always log in to the course at the same time, but you will still have meaningful interactions. Discussion boards allow you to communicate, but at times that fit your varying schedules.
Purposeful Virtual Spaces: Some online communication is more appropriate than others, depending on the situation. In this course you will have academic, technical, and course-related discussions in the discussion board. You should share more personal information with your facilitator and other learners through e-mail.

Course Elements

The following list highlights the core elements in a PBS TeacherLine course. Having a solid understanding of how they work together, will help you to successfully complete your coursework.

Syllabus: An outline that lists course requirements, assessment criteria, course content, expectations, and other relevant information.
Assessment Rubrics: Your facilitator will evaluate your coursework and performance using rubrics found in the Assessment Criteria area. Familiarize yourself with the rubrics and refer to them often throughout the course.
Sessions: The course is divided into six sessions, each taking about five hours to complete.
Assignments: Within each session, you will be required to complete assignments that support the overall goals and objectives of the course.
Session Resources: This area provides a compilation of readings, interactives, video, and websites used throughout the course.
Assignment Checklist: A tool to help you manage your assignments.
Discussion Board: A tool used to support online collaboration.
Online Journal: A tool used to support self-assessment, reflection and professional growth.
Surveys: An area where you access online surveys for the course.

Course Icons

Resources from PBS television programs, pbskids.org and pbsparents.org -

Interactive- Discussion - Journal - Video -

Audio - Reading - Survey - Paper -