The following is a suggested timeline for the development of a distance education academic course. By beginning the process a year in advance, the increased work load demanded by distance education can be distributed over a period of time to reduce the burden on all concerned. The operative idea is to plan way in advance. The timeline shown in the graphic (click here) (http://rtelg.ifas.ufl.edu/timelines.htm) can be used for videoconference or Web-based courses. The suggested timeline "deadlines" in the graphic can be found in this text-only format.

University of Florida instructors Rick Rudd and Tracy Irani and instructional designers Ron Thomas and Lisa Hightower discuss the need for planning out a distance education course.

Irani, Hightower, Thomas, and Rudd discuss the need for planning ahead (3:01)

Click here for text-only version.

So what specifically should happen? Let's find out what should occur before the first day of class.

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