OEC Course Design 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which course design model emphasizes beginning with the end in mind by identifying desired results before planning instruction?
- ADDIE
- Backward Design (UbD) (Correct answer)
- SAM
- Gagne's Nine Events
Correct answer: Backward Design (UbD)
Backward Design (Understanding by Design) starts with defining learning outcomes and assessments before planning instructional activities.
Question 2: A course designer wants to reduce cognitive load for novice learners. Which strategy is MOST effective?
- Present all content at once to maximize exposure
- Break content into small, sequenced chunks (Correct answer)
- Use complex multimedia for every lesson
- Assign open-ended projects from day one
Correct answer: Break content into small, sequenced chunks
Chunking content into small, sequenced pieces aligns with cognitive load theory by not overwhelming working memory.
Question 3: What does 'scaffolding' mean in the context of online course design?
- Building a course navigation menu
- Providing temporary support structures that are removed as learners gain competence (Correct answer)
- Designing the course homepage layout
- Creating a grading rubric for assignments
Correct answer: Providing temporary support structures that are removed as learners gain competence
Scaffolding refers to temporary instructional supports (hints, guides, worked examples) that are gradually withdrawn as learner proficiency increases.
Question 4: An online instructor notices learners consistently score poorly on module 3 quizzes. Using course design principles, what is the BEST first step?
- Remove module 3 from the course
- Lower the passing score for module 3
- Analyze alignment between module 3 objectives, content, and assessments (Correct answer)
- Add more video lectures to module 3
Correct answer: Analyze alignment between module 3 objectives, content, and assessments
Poor assessment performance often signals a misalignment between learning objectives, instructional content, and the assessment itself.
Question 5: Which of the following BEST describes a formative assessment in online course design?
- A final exam worth 40% of the grade
- A knowledge check quiz used to guide ongoing learning (Correct answer)
- A capstone project submitted at course end
- A standardized certification test
Correct answer: A knowledge check quiz used to guide ongoing learning
Formative assessments are low-stakes checks used during the learning process to provide feedback and guide instruction.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a course syllabus in an online learning environment?
- To display the instructor's credentials
- To set expectations, outline policies, and provide a course roadmap for students (Correct answer)
- To replace the course textbook
- To serve as the only assessment rubric
Correct answer: To set expectations, outline policies, and provide a course roadmap for students
The syllabus establishes expectations, communicates policies, and gives learners a clear roadmap of what to expect throughout the course.
Question 7: Which principle from Universal Design for Learning (UDL) focuses on offering multiple ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge?
- Multiple means of representation
- Multiple means of action and expression (Correct answer)
- Multiple means of engagement
- Multiple means of assessment weighting
Correct answer: Multiple means of action and expression
Multiple means of action and expression (the 'how' of learning) allows learners to demonstrate knowledge through varied formats such as video, writing, or presentation.
OEC Course Design 2
Which course design model emphasizes beginning with the end in mind by identifying desired results before planning instruction?