Course Design Resources


Course Design

The DACC Online Framework requires a holistic process that begins with the end in mind. By following this recommended structure, you will ensure that you will create a course rooted in best practices and learners will achieve your learning objectives.

Instructional Design

Phase 1: Module Organizer

This tool can help you organize and sequence course content into units or weeks. A unit typically addresses two or three weeks of content that logically go together.

Module Organizer Example (PDF)

Module Organizer Template (PDF)

Phase 2: Assessment Planner

This tool can help you figure out how and when you will assess student achievement of learning outcomes.

Assessment Planner (PDF)

Phase 3: Course Map

Course maps are a visual tool used to design your course. Utilizing the backward design process, a course map is a representation of how you intend to approach course and module student learning outcomes you have identified for your course.

Course Map

Phase 4: Weekly Planner

Identifies the specific readings, assignments, assessments, and other activities for each week.

Weekly Planner (PDF)

Syllabus Design

Student-Centered Syllabus

A student-centered course requires a syllabus that demonstrates your commitment that your students’ ability to achieve the course objectives are at the center of everything that takes place in the course.

Student-Centered Syllabus (PDF)

Share Your Syllabus

Students expect to see the syllabus as their first item of course content at the beginning of the semester.

Share Your Syllabus (PDF)

DACC Master Syllabus Template

The DACC Master Syllabus Template is the designated template for all DACC courses to utilize. Check-in each semester for any updated versions. Login to Sharepoint will be required or email kachen@nmsu.edu.

DACC Master Syllabus Template (SharePoint)

DACC Syllabus Checklist

The DACC Syllabus Checklist should be utilized by faculty to ensure all required components of the DACC Syllabus have been addressed. Login to Sharepoint will be required or email kachen@nmsu.edu.

DACC Syllabus Checklist (SharePoint)

Other Considerations

Fair Use Trade Act

Fair use is the right to use copyrighted material without permission or payment under some circumstances.

Fair Use (PDF)

UDL

Implementing the principles of universal design in online learning means anticipating the diversity of students that may enroll in your course and planning accordingly. 

Visit UDL Webpage