A Proposal for an Online Course Design Course Name: Learners’ Background / Level: Phase 1. Orientation To introduce a learner’s interests and background to others in the class (Weeks 1-2)

An Introduction to Interior Design Beginner

Online Activities Write a welcoming Message

Objectives To build a strong relationship with learners

Examples Refer to Example 1 for Welcoming message

Tasks for students Access the online platform and read the welcoming message

If you have any problem relating to the course, please do not hesitate to post your questions in this forum. It might also benefit others. I will from time to time monitor the forum. The questionnaire should include basic information e.g.where they come from, their interest, their handphone number, email, a short description of themselves and upload their picture Besides that, questions that can help the learners to recall their prior knowledge of the course can also be included

Learners may use this platform to ask for help from their peers or the instructor

Dear students, Introduce yourself to your course mates. Tell us more about yourselves such as, your nickname, why you enrolled into this course, what do you know about interior design, what you hope to learn and achieve at the end of the course Form a group of 3-4 members per group. With your team members, you will be working together to complete your assignments throughout the semester. I would like all of you to work collaboratively and support each other e.g.

Learners to explain why they enrolled in the course, what they already know about the content of the course, what they hope to learn and achieve at the end of the course

To make learners feel welcomed in an online environment

Forum for learners to ask for help

1.

To inform learners of the expectancy of the course As a platform for learners to get help as well as to provide technical help especially for learners who are new to the online learning environment

Inform learners to fill-up their profile page in the LMS 2. Develop a questionnaire to discover learners’ current knowledge and experiences 3. Make this a compulsory activity to ensure that everyone has found the class site Create a forum for learners to introduce themselves as well as give opinion on what is expected of the course

To get to know the learners and their background

Divide learners into smaller groups

To encourage and provide higher opportunities for interaction

To fill-up their profile page in the LMS and complete the questionnaire

Learners to choose their own group members of 3-4 per group

giving constructive comments and helping each other in completing the tasks.

2. Construction To provide activities that require critical thinking, reflection and sharing of ideas (Weeks 3-4)

3. Collaboration To provide activities that require small groups to collaborate, solve problems and reflect on experiences (Weeks 5-7) 4. Initiation To provide simple learner-led activities (Weeks 7-14)

Technology-based assignment: Group project assignment

To discuss, explore and reflect online as well as make it available for others to comment

Refer to Example 2 for Assignment

Group forum

To assist learners in communicating / collaborating with their group members

How is your progress?

For learners to reflect on what they are learning and contributing to the class

This is a group forum. Use this platform to discuss or share materials with your team members. Only team members will be able to view and reply to your post. Refer to Example 3 for ‘How is your progress?’

How can you improve?

For instructors to quickly identify challenges related to class activities To analyse interior spaces and form opinions based on elements and principles of design.

Learners to work with their team members to complete the assignment and provide constructive feedback to other groups’ assignments Learners to share articles, videos or any resources relevant to the course and in completing their assignment Learners to give their feedback on the progress of the course, so far

You have been provided with a picture of an interior space. Based on what you have learnt so far, critically analyse and suggest how these spaces can be improved. Please feel free to agree/disagree with your friends’ answers and provide your reasons. Refer to Example 4 for ‘Plan a space’

Learners to analyse and evaluate the interior space provided and then form opinions on how it can be improved. Learners are encouraged to give feedback on their friends’ opinions.

Plan a space

To apply design elements to suit the intended function of a space

Learners to complete the assignment

Group presentation

To develop appropriate work ethics learning to compromise, deal with differences in opinion and cooperate with team members

Refer to Example 5 for Group presentation activity

Complete the online portfolio and submit the report Present the online portfolio

Peer evaluation

To provide learners with intra-group peer evaluation to assess individual performance

Complete the online questionnaire honestly and fairly.

Complete the individual evaluation form

Example 1: Welcoming Message Welcome to Introduction to Interior Design! Dear learners, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the class. We will be using this platform to learn, communicate and collaborate. As all of you are new to the subject, this course may seem overwhelming at first, but, I am here to help you every step of the way. Let’s get started by completing the activities I have prepared for you. 1. View the course proforma and course information. Take note of the objectives for this course. This is what we will be working to achieve throughout the semester. 2. Explore this course page. There are several activities I have prepared for you. The main ones being the forum for introducing yourself and the resources and links I have uploaded to give you a head start. That should be enough to get you organized and on your way to having a great semester. I am here to help you, please do not hesitate to ask questions. In fact, questions are most encouraged in this class, for by asking questions we learn more than we could ever imagine. So, hold tight and off we go!

Example 2: Technology-based Assignments Assignment: Developing your Online Portfolio Imagine you are setting-up an interior design business. Design and create a professional portfolio by setting up your own website or social media site (e.g. Facebook page, YouTube channel). The main content for your site would be your threedimensional drawing of a floor plan based on your client’s requirements (each group will be provided with different client’s requirements). In developing your three-dimensional drawing, you will apply the elements and principles of design. Once you have set-up your online site, share the link in the forum provided. Throughout the semester, your online portfolio will be commented and evaluated by your coursemates. The rubrics for evaluation will be provided. At the end of the assignment, you will need to submit a report that include: 1. The client’s requirement 2. Description on how you translate client’s requirement into your design concept 3. Description of all your design choices e.g. colour, textile, furniture selection 4. Develop a schedule and budget for completing the project in a real-world environment 5. Reflect on the changes you have made based on the suggestions / comments by your coursemates (if any)

Example 3: How is your progress? Dear all We are halfway through the semester and I hope you have benefitted from this course. I need your help to improve what we are doing so that we can all leave by the end of the semester with the new knowledge, skills and inspiration. I would like feedback on the following: 1. What are some of the things that you would like me to keep doing? 2. What are some of the things that you would like me to STOP doing? 3. What other things that you would like me to do? How? Hope to hear from all of you soon. Thank you

Example 4: Plan a space Assignment: Plan an office space A client has required you to design an office space which will encourage creative thinking and develop an innovative working environment. The layout of the office space is as provided. Working together with your team, come up with a floor plan considering the requirements by the client. I would like to see how you brainstorm and come up with your design. Therefore, set-up a wikispace account and using this platform, progressively work on your ideas through sharing of links, resources, videos, pictures that will assist in completing this assignment. At the end of this assignment, present your office space by uploading it on to your online portfolio.

Example 5: Group Presentation Imagine you are being interviewed for the position of an interior designer. Showcase your online portfolio to the interviewers (the class). You will be assessed on the following: a. b. c. d. e.

Preparedness Ability to answer questions posed by coursemates Posture and eye contact Collaboration with team members Ability to convince your audience