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Yeah, yeah. I know what course designs are and how my designer can help me. But when it comes down to STARTING this course design... where do I start? What's the process?
Honestly - everyone designs courses differently! Here are the most common methods our CETL staff sees:
Start with the end in mind
Start with the end in mind
(aka backward design)
This approach tackles the heavy-hitting areas first, then goes back to fill in the details. Think of this as setting the bones of the course in place prior to creating content.
Step 1: Creating flow of course topics
Step 2: Setting module objectives that align with course objectives
Step 3: Determining major assessments, like midterms and finals
Step 4: Determining other assessments (i.e. quizzes, essays, projects, performances)
Step 5: Filling out resources, slides, page content and assignments.
the scattered design
the scattered design
Sometimes you gotta strike while the iron is hot! Some SMEs jump around between modules depending on how much time they have to work on that portion, or tackling some easier modules first. Other SMEs design their favorite topics first, then spend the rest of the time working through the tougher topics.
The only downside to this approach is the hampered ability to truly measure design progress against the timeline.
chronological design
chronological design
This pragmatic approach simply starts at the first module and the first topic, working in single file line till the last module. With this strategy, ensure you have a solid plan for your flow of course topics. Oftentimes SMEs will work through modules, only to go back and realize there were gaps, content order needed to be changed or other issues.
Designing in the order that students will see the content is a solid plan. Just make sure you're fully ready to design by having your topics and basic objectives in mind when you start.
research - then - build
research - then - build
This strategy is common when:
The SME isn't completely familiar with all course topics
The subject area requires contast updates, modern research and addition of current events
The flow of topics for the course or course objectives are still being decided.
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