DESIGNING DISORIENTING DILEMMAS IN AN ONLINE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE COURSE

Abstract

This design case follows the transformation of a language and culture course for first-year international students from face-toface to online. It focuses on creating and managing disorienting dilemmas in an online environment as students are given the opportunity to pursue transformative learning. Design decisions about creating community, course structure, and turning challenges into learning opportunities are investigated through an in-depth look at three weeks of the course. This design case explores the successes, challenges, dilemmas, and what I came to realize—as faculty and designer—through reflecting on the course and how it was transformed.