Designing a Comprehensive Model for Online Curriculum

The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive model of online curriculum and identify its components. The research synthesis methodology was implemented to design the model. Synthesis research is one of the important methods of qualitative research and a special form of review research and the target population included all articles in the fields of curriculum, education, and electronic learning/teaching. The criterion to select the sample size was responding to the research questions according to the entry and exit criteria in the research synthesis approach and offering a convenient conclusion of the related literature in a new synthesized format. The ultimate synthesis included 71 studies. Thirteen elements that were identified in the current study to design an online curriculum included: goals, learner, teacher, content, supporter, classification, attendance, technology, time, learning environment, interaction, materials and resources, and assessment. Moreover, the characteristics and rules of each element were identified in the process of research synthesis studies.