The development of English 12 First Peoples as an online distance education course

Abstract

This autoethnographic study documented the development of the online version of English 12 First Peoples and investigated which of the course qualities needed to be developed and nurtured differently in an online format. Data were collected through a reflective journal maintained throughout the course development process and analyzed by examining themes which emerged. The main themes involved e-leaming as an emergent field in education today, the advantages of e-leaming, and strategies for building community in a virtual classroom. Subsequent themes which emerged were organizational considerations for online course development and the challenges of time and technology. The research determined that important course qualities such as the provision of reflective and experiential learning opportunities and respectful interactions could be developed in an online secondary school classroom if deliberate attention were paid to using technology effectively to build community. II Ill