Designing your Online Course

What is Course Design?

Creating a blended or online course involves designing a student experience and building a community for learning. This process begins with developing measurable learning outcomes, understanding online teaching and learning pedagogy, and considering the specific tools available in an online environment.  Review the resource Planning your Online Course to get started.

Why is Course Design Important?

Developing learning outcomes is particularly important online where you face more choices about how to present content and organize learning. Typically, online courses are divided into weeks or modules that last anywhere from four days to two weeks. Without prescribed class meeting times, you have more options for structuring content and interactions. One strong benefit of online learning is the ability to provide regular, consistent, and instant feedback on assessments.

Considerations for Course Design

An online syllabus is similar to one for a face-to-face course, however, research supports that online students need even more detailed instructions. For help in developing a syllabus, review writing a syllabus. Asynchronous discussions are the primary form of interaction in many online courses. Consider carefully how you will assess participation and contributions. Although text and video are the two most common content delivery methods online, consider tools that you may not be familiar with such as blogs, wikis, Zoom, and Flip.

Getting Started with Course Design

Contact the Center for more information on course design or explore the Resource Library items on your own.