Course Design Best Practices

Overall Site Design 

• The course layout is simple and user friendlyInstructor self-recorded video or posted announcement welcomes students
• Instructions for navigating the course are clearly stated
• Course requirements are clearly definedInstructor contact information is provided
• IT help desk information is provided
• Accessibility issues have been considered 

Syllabus and Course Expectations

• The syllabus is easy to find and easy to read
• Learning objectives are written to produce measurable outcomes
• Participation and interaction expectations are clearly stated
• Assignment due dates are displayed
• A grading scale is provided
• Communication expectations are stated for both students and the instructor
• Academic misconduct policy and accessibility resource statement are provided 

Course Content

• Lessons, units, or modules are laid out in an easily navigable format
• Course material is presented through different means to provide variety and interest (e.g. Assigned readings, recorded lectures, external videos or simulations, links to publisher websites, learning games)
• Instructions for accessing external content are provided
• Multimedia and external links have been checked for functionality 

Assignments and Exams

• A variety of assessments exist to allow students to engage with the course material (e.g. Auto-graded quizzes,turn-it in assignments, zoom presentations)
• Assignments and exams include clear instructions for submission
• Due dates for assignments and exams match the due dates presented in the syllabus 

Interaction

• Regular (at least weekly) announcements to students are planned
• Opportunities are provided for students to interact with the instructor (e.g. Virtual office hours, Q&A discussion forums, grading rubrics)
• Opportunities are provided for students to interact with fellow students (e.g. Discussion boards, Zoom rooms, Teams chats, group projects)
• “Netiquette” guidelines are provided to set expectations regarding student conduct