Goals originate from two sources: What does the learner need/want to accomplish and what does the instructor intend to be accomplished from the course. Goals need to be examined from both perspectives when designing an online course. Students engaged in online learning are likely to have pre-existing goals when taking a course and these need to be addressed when setting course goals.
The instructor is also obligated to achieve predetermined goals to meet the specs of the course, and must be considered when developing online courses as well.
Objectives are specific steps taken to reach the overarching goal. Objectives of on-line courses need to be incremental and managable (not really different than other courses). Students in on-line learning situations need immediate feedback as they move through the objectives to assure success in the meeting the existing goals of the class. It is desirable fo the objectives to be stacked easier to more difficult to build student confidence and promote success.
The design and utilization of goals and objectives does not really differ in different types of courses. They are required in traditional and online courses. The major difference is the existence of goals in the learner at the onset of the course. The course specific goals and objectives must be in synch with these pre-existing goals to assure student success.
