Planning Guide

Before you start designing your first online course:

• Before you start designing your first online course:

  • Introduce yourself to the Instructional Designer in your department.
  • Educate yourself by reading articles about web-based training, instructional design, technology education, and online learning. A good place to start this research is this website.
  • Request that a course shell be created (Important: if you will be working with an Instructional Designer add their name and information to the course request.)
  • Understand the LMS (learning management system) hardware and software specifications. If you will be using your home computer to develop & test your course make sure that it meets the minimum requirements. Contact the help desk if you need assistance.
  • Practice using the learning management system. Take a workshop, arrange with your department Instructional Designer for one-on-one training, or explore a peer's course.

Once you feel comfortable with the tools and clear idea of how you want to present your materials online, review the following course design guidelines.

1. Prepare Your Materials
2. Outline the Course
3. Define the Syllabus
4. Select Material Delivery Methods
5. Build the Course Skeleton
6. Add Instructor Introduction
7. Populate the Course
8. Create Opportunities for Community Building
9. Create Announcements
10. Prepare for Delivery

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