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.

The Independent Architect is an old hat with content building and/or the course topics. Many times, these SMEs prefer working solo and initiating the contact with the designer when needed. In this case, the designer would reach out if there are concerns about deadline completion, or if some important content adjustments are needed.

While working less collaboratively than other SME types in the jungle, the Architect is no less effective with their course builds.

Architects typically start with...

"I'm already really comfortable with the course content, and I have prior course building experience. How about I shoot you a check-in email in a few weeks and let you know if I have any questions? I feel comfortable working independently."

This SME needs more content-building support. Whether that's learning the ropes of objective-to-content alignment for the first time, or wanting a more involved designer to help them through the process, the designer is there to help! Some of our Anxious Navigators benefit from setting up a game plan and milestones with the designer to ensure they stay on track. We've seen Navigators who want to meet in the CETL office weekly to discuss content they've added to the shared folder, ask for feedback, then determine next steps for the week. Most Navigators request frequent emails, calls and/or meetings to feel supported throughout the process.

This approach is especially helpful when creating a new course from scratch, or if the SME hasn't completed a design with the CETL before.

Navigators typically start with...

"So... I'm starting from scratch and I don't know where to start. I feel kinda overwhelmed. Can you help me decide where to start, then set up routine meetings so we can plan content together? I'd feel better working alongside someone so I'm not drifting off track."

This type of SME is especially fun for a designer to work with. While still supporting timeline management and checking for alignment, the SME requests the designer work in a more collaborative and brainstorming capacity. Whether highly familiar with the topics already, or altering an existing course for a new modality, the SME collaborates with the designer to think of new types of assignments, fresh technologies to boost student engagement, and different angles to approach the content to enhance student learning.

The Creative Collaborator has the space to explore teaching practices and curriculum design to maximize learning.

Collaborators typically start with...

"I'm SO excited to finally start this course build! I think I want to dive into some AI tools that I could integrate, plus some online assignments that are different from the usual essay, quiz, or discussion board. I'm available next week - do you want to start brainstorming together then?"

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.

Jugglers typically start with...

"Wow, I'm realizing how much time content building actually takes. Can you add reminders into my Outlook calendar with deadlines for each of the modules? If you're not seeing activity in the Authoring Tool and it looks like I'm falling behind, please shoot me an email to give me a nudge! I'm so busy that I don't want to accidentally drop this project. Help keep me accountable!"

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.

Outsources (if they existed) would start with...

"Can you create the assignments for these modules? I can come back afterwards and see if anything needs to be edited. When can you have those done by?"

"Can you beef up the outline I put into the Authoring Tool document?"  (Giving bare bones or outlines, asking the designer to "flesh" out the content.)

In reality, each SME's design process is completely unique to their personality, course familiarity, goals, and schedule. We get it! 

For best success, we recommend communicating your needs at the very beginning of the project. Sometimes, months pass with minimal progress, then after a call from the designer, the SME realizes they can contact the designer as often as they'd like. They thought they had to do everything alone! Nope!

The CETL will personalize the process, because you matter!

One SME couldn't access Microsoft apps. We adjusted!

One SME was only available to meet after 4pm. We adjusted!

One SME had a family emergency, causing a 1-month setback. We adjusted!

Consider these questions when sharing your preferences with your designer:

1. How often would you like to communicate, and through which method? (i.e. weekly via email, and then an end-of-month Teams call.)

2. How would you like feedback given? Grouped into larger chunks, or sent in smaller pieces? Via email or Word document comments?

3. What level of support and brainstorming would you prefer from your designer?

4. Are there specific content areas you'd like extra support in? (i.e. creating objectives, learning how to use AI for content building)

5. Do you anticipate any gaps during the semester when you cannot work on content design? (i.e. vacations, during finals week)