Instructional designers at NOVA work alongside faculty to create successful online teaching and learning experiences using research-based best practices. The instructional design process is an iterative, multi-layered, collegial one. Course design involves six phases detailed below.
- Kick-off Meeting Handouts for Faculty.
- Orientation for New NOVA Online Course Developers.
- Meet your Instructional Designer.
- Sign course design Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and agree on the project timeline.
- Review the course content summary.
- Discuss textbook options/publisher resources/Open Educational Resources.
- Discuss course outline (topics, learning objectives, assessments, technology, etc.).
- Review a sample course map, pacing chart, Bloom's Taxonomy verbs, NOVA Online policies.
- Create accessible learning materials: design with accessibility in mind module, accessibility checklist.
- Select textbook, supplemental resources, OERs: resource selection and copyright module, find out what the NOVA Online library can do for you at NOVA Libraries YouTube Channel.
- Create a course map: alignment of objectives, activities and assessments module.
- Write clear and measurable unit learning objectives (Bloom's Taxonomy of Measurable Verbs).
- Work with your ID to identify meaningful learning activities that promote active and collaborative learning.
- Use the NOVA Online template in Canvas, which already includes many course components consistent with our standards. (For instance, the syllabus includes requisite technical skills, calendars, overview of assignments, grading policies, withdrawal and complete policies, etc.)
- Your ID will help you design/customize and build your Canvas course site.
- Write directions for all learning activities: writing and organizing directions module.
- Evaluate your course and complete any final revisions.
- Online ID Help will ensure that your section is created from the master copy of the course and will check for errors.
- Use the NOVA Online course prep checklist to review your Canvas section.
- Contact Online ID Help for assistance.