Writing course content

Creating course content for an online environment can be difficult but if done correctly, very beneficially to the student. One of the tasks that I have been working on this semester is writing course content for a new section in a pre-existing online course.  Instructional design is one of the duties that I have to perform at my job.  In writing content, I have to have specialized knowledge of the subject as well as the ability to write the material in a manner that is concise and comprehensive.  My background is in forensic science and chemistry, but writing is a big part of my job. 

In the online courses that I write, the course material is all inclusive.  I provide a “Getting Started” page that welcomes the student, provides information on how to navigate the course, and explains how the assessments are released.  In the course content section of the course, the material is broken down in units by relevant topics and each unit is broken into sections.  Each section can contain a variety of the following: a few paragraphs of content, images, interactive activities, self-assessments, discussion questions, or a mixture of any listed.  I also have a brief assessment that follows each unit to test the knowledge of student.  A library of resources, articles, additional information, etc, is provided to each student, as well a glossary.  When writing course content, I not only have to focus on the content but also all of the other items previously mentioned.

With the sensitive nature of the courses, we have to make sure that all the courses have the most up-to-date information.  Some courses have had to be completely overhauled do to industry changes, or like in my case this semester, just adding additional content will suffice.  The additional material makes the course a more cohesive experience for the student.  

I enjoy writing course content.  I like the feedback from students once the course is active.  It’s a nice feeling to know that the course that you spent months researching and writing has helped someone in his or her life, whether it be to get a better job or to enhance his or her skills in their current position.