The Course Design Jungle

When faced with the starting line of a course design with CETL, some faculty don't know where to start, or what their options are. 

We're here to help - in the way that you need.

(Typically when moving an existing course do a different, online format, and the SME has taught it before.)

(Typically a SME who hasn't taught the class before, or didn't realize they'd need to create content from scratch.)

(Typically a SME who's completed prior designs and is highly familiar with the course topics.)

This type of SME is especially fun for a designer to work with. While still supporting timeline management and checking for alignment, the s

(Any SME with too many responsibilities and calendar events, but still has design deadlines to meet.)

In the case of the time-crunched and over-obligated SME, the designer can function more as a project manager. They can email reminders to help nudge the SME to stay on track and provide updates on progress compared to the overall timeline. The Overbooked Juggler tends to set a communication plan at the beginning of the project. Some Jugglers want weekly reminders via email, while others request monthly meetings for accountability. Whatever the SME's needs are, the designer will fully support.

Additionally, some Jugglers request designer feedback in monthly doses to consolidate communications, while others want adhoc short emails or document comments they can quickly read and respond to between daily tasks.

(The SME who had heard a designer will make all the content for them.)

In the far reachs of the jungle, a myth has persisted through the generations. The legend of "The Outsourcer". Alas, such tales are not reality. The CETL staff are Instructional Designers, not Instructional Creators. The faculty Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are... subject matter experts. They create fresh content while the designer supports their efforts. The designer can check for alignment with module/course objectives, suggest edits, and help brainstorm if the SME feels stuck. 

While different SMEs prefer different working relationship types with their designers, one thing remains the same: the SMEs are responsible for the creation of the content.