Online Course Design Basics

The content linked below has been curated to help with the basic design elements for an online course. Pages may include links to related and more advanced content on the topic.

Course Conceptualization	From your foundation of learning objectives to the initial design considerations.	Page: Situational Factors for Effective Online Course Design Page: Weekly Course Pattern Page: Aligning Objectives, Assessments, and Activities Page: Writing Effective Learning Objectives Page: Course Diagram and Sequence of Topics
Tools & Templates for Design	High-level design decisions involve mapping out the course structure, establishing a pattern for students to manage their learning experience, and more. These tools and templates will help you manage the design of your course.	Page: Module Overview Example Page: Final Quality Review Checklist Page: Determining Grade Values or Percentages Page: Creating a Grade Distribution Plan Page: Create Transparent Assignments Page: Course Design Map - A course planning tool Page: eCampus Center Blueprint and Schedule of Deliverables
Creating Community	Community-building from getting to know each other to maintaining regular interactions throughout a course.	Page: Student Organization for Student Success Page: Student Background and Goals Questionnaire Page: Regular & Substantive Interaction
Inclusive Learning	Create a course that reflects the learning community and that can be accessed by the whole learning community.	Page: Assessing Presentations without Ableist Language Page: Inclusive Online Learning
Syllabus and Course Information	Creating a syllabus and schedule to guide your online course.	Page: OER Syllabus Statement Templates Page: Syllabus Quiz or Syllabus Review Activity Examples Page: Syllabus Template Section Annotations Page: Syllabus Best Practices and Exemplars
Rigor	How to balance academic rigor and estimate the time investment of students.	Page: Calculating the Total Estimated Reading Time Page: Calculate Student Workload Per Week