Course Design
The transition from a traditionally classroom-based course to a distance/online format relies on a combination of instructional and technology-based actions. To help you make this transition, the following section provides a series of strategies and tools to facilitate the development of an online course. Depending on your level of expertise and your needs, you can follow our step-by-step model or go directly to sections that meet your particular needs.

Step 1 – Mapping
In this first step, we consider the transition between an in-class course and a distance/online format using the typical steps in the course design process. The strategies and tools below provide ways to plan and organize your content using this course design process (for example, identifying the important elements of the learning context, writing objectives and themes, planning feedback and evaluations, developing learning activities).
We offer the following tools to guide you through this first step:
You can also view the recording of a webinar on the components of this first step.
Step 2 – Communicating
In this second step, we consider communication strategies in all its forms. An essential element of the course design process, we review different communication practices for distance and online course. In particular, we discuss the importance of preparing resources (instructions, texts, multimedia, activities, and evaluations) to ensure optimal flow to students online learning experience.
We offer the following tools to guide you through this second step:
- Checklist – Teacher and Social Presence (pdf)
- Design for Learning – Optimize Content (pdf)
- Checklist – Design for Learning (pdf)
- Virtual Campus – Content Types and their Details (pdf)
You can also view the recording of a webinar on the components of this second step.