Course Design

Mar 9, 2026

Optimize Performance with UDL

In this article: UDL and Performance Universal Design for Learning (UDL) acknowledges that learners vary in ways that can affect their performance…even if they have achieved learning objectives. UDL can help you create more flexibility to minimize barriers to success. When applying UDL, ask: “Does this assessment design favor certain students over others, regardless of…

Jan 20, 2026

AI Fluency: Developing Instructional Content and Learning Activities

In this article Teaching with AI in Content Creation Creating instructional materials and learning activities often requires careful thought, time, and creativity. AI tools can support this work by helping instructors organize ideas, refine explanations, and explore new approaches to teaching. When used intentionally, AI becomes a partner that can lighten the cognitive load of…

Jan 20, 2026

AI Fluency: Designing Assessments and Summarizing Student Work

In this article Rethinking Assessments in the Age of AI Assessment is one of the areas most affected by generative AI, and it is also one of the areas where instructors have the most opportunity to rethink and strengthen their practices. Students can now use AI to draft essays, generate explanations, summarize readings, or check…

Jan 20, 2026

AI Fluency: Course Design

In this article Grounding Course Design in Clear Learning Objectives Strong course design begins with strong learning objectives. Learning objectives describe what students should be able to know, do, or create by the end of a course or module. They guide the selection of content, shape assessments, and help students understand the purpose behind their…

Jan 20, 2026

AI Fluency: Prompting Basics

In this article What is Prompting? A prompt is the question or instruction you give to an AI tool to guide its response. Prompting is one of the most practical skills instructors can develop when using generative AI. For educators, effective prompting is not about mastering a technical language but about asking purposeful questions that…

Jan 20, 2026

AI Fluency: 101 For Instructors

In this article Why AI Matters in Higher Education Artificial intelligence (AI) is already part of the learning environment our students navigate every day. Many use tools like ChatGPT, and Gemini to study, organize notes, or draft written work. Rather than viewing this as a challenge to academic integrity, instructors have an opportunity to help…

Mar 17, 2025

Spruce Up Your Moodle

In this article Add banners to each section Adding decorative banners at the top of each section of your Moodle course can add visual interest. Above, a photo from Talley Student Union appears at the top of the Getting Started section of ENG 331. (If you like, you may view the full course with banners for each…

Feb 19, 2025

Using AI to Assist With Course Design

In this article Elements of Good Course Design Thoughtful course design lays the foundation for a successful learning experience, ensuring that students not only engage with course material but also develop a deeper understanding of key concepts. A well-structured course not only supports students in achieving their learning goals but also reduces confusion, increases motivation,…

Jan 14, 2025

Large Course Redesign Best Practices

Large courses offer a unique experience, both for teachers and students. NC State would consider the courses that are among the top 5% in enrollment in a college to be “large,” as well as critical path courses that serve as foundational studies.This article offers tips and suggestions to aid you in the redesign of your…

Dec 9, 2024

Introduction to Regular & Substantive Interaction (RSI)

What is RSI? In distance education, regular and substantive interaction (RSI) is required for all courses and refers to consistent, quality engagement between instructors and students. While regular interaction is met through routine communication, substantive interaction involves direct, meaningful exchanges to foster active learning, deeper knowledge and increased support in a digital space. This article…

Oct 24, 2024

Tips and Strategies for Successful Group Work

In this article Cultivate your course community early on If you are planning to assign group work, consider being very intentional and proactive about establishing a classroom community at the very start of the semester. If students have not interacted at all in your course prior to the group work assignment, they may lack a…

Sep 12, 2024

Step-by-Step Moodle Course Creation Guide

In this article Depending on your needs and experience, you may choose to follow every step or skip ahead to specific sections. At the end of this guide, you’ll also find links to additional resources for deeper exploration. Step 1: Develop a plan Before diving into Moodle, take time to plan. A little preparation makes…

Jun 28, 2024

Make Your Course More Mobile-Friendly

In this article Understanding Mobile Learners Mobile optimization goes beyond merely adapting course content to fit smaller screens. It involves designing courses with the unique needs and behaviors of mobile learners in mind. Mobile learners prefer to consume information in clearly communicated bite-sized chunks. They also value easy navigation and the ability to quickly access…

Feb 29, 2024

Designing an Effective Moodle Course

What does a well-designed course look like in Moodle?

Oct 18, 2023

Why Gamify Your Moodle Course?

In this article How to Get Started Step 1: Reflect on course evaluations, other student feedback, and your own experience as the instructor as you consider what you really want students to gain from your course. Consider your reasons for choosing gamification: Step 2: Now that you have reflected, the Recorded Gamification Workshop can help…

Sep 25, 2023

Supporting Neurodiverse Students Through Course Design

In this article Definitions and statistics You’ve probably heard the expression “Great minds think alike.” In reality, great minds work in countless different ways, with no “right” or “wrong” way to think or learn. Different peoples’ brains simply work differently. When we appreciate the variability in our students and design with that variability in mind,…

Sep 21, 2023

Use Moodle Checklists to Help Students Get Organized and Track Progress

In this article Benefits of Checklists When students have to spend a lot of mental energy to figure out where to start, what to do next, and keep track of what’s been completed, they may have less cognitive bandwidth to focus on learning. Those new to online learning and non-neurotypical learners may find it especially…

Jul 13, 2023

Hybrid Teaching: Best Practices

In this article Research (Johnson et al., 2022) highlights the need to clearly define various modes of learning, and the diagram below does a nice job clarifying the differences: Research suggests that hybrid learning can enhance student success (Lewis & Harrison, 2012; Rausch & Crawford, 2012; Weber & Lenon, 2007). A meta-analysis found that instruction…

May 31, 2023

HyFlex Teaching: Best Practices

In this article Modes of Learning While some students prefer learning online (particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic), many NC State students still prefer in-person instruction. Research (Johnson et al., 2022) highlights the need to clearly define various modes of learning, and the diagram below does a nice job of clarifying the differences: Faculty may be…

Feb 8, 2023

Boost Motivation with Universal Design for Learning

In this article: UDL and motivation Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can help you design learning experiences with as few obstacles to success as possible. One UDL Guideline emphasizes recognizing what makes a learner unique in the way they engage with and approach learning. Then, you can widen the path to engagement so that more…

Feb 1, 2023

Designing Online Training

In this article Employees who receive continuous online training are more likely to be satisfied with their employer, have increased retention rates, and are more confident and effective in their jobs. They’ve also proven to be more knowledgeable and current on procedures and processes. Asynchronous training is convenient for employees. It allows them to be…

Feb 1, 2023

Reaching All Students with Universal Design for Learning

In this article What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? Let’s start with universal design A Universal Design approach aims for full use and enjoyment of products or items, recognizing the great variability in the human population along many spectra and due to many different circumstances, whether situational or permanent. A simple way to think about…

Jan 26, 2023

Use an Online Learning Expectations Template

In this article Make a copy of the template Follow these steps to make an editable copy of the template for your own use. You may now edit your copy of the Course Overview template to reflect your own course. Best practices Examples View an example of online learning expectations from ENG 331. Resources WolfSNAPS:…

Jan 26, 2023

Use a Syllabus Template

In this article Make a copy of the template Follow these steps to make an editable copy of the template for your own use. You may now edit your copy of the template to reflect your own course. Best practices Set Viewing Permission Examples View an example syllabus fom HS 201 from HS 201. The…

Jan 24, 2023

Use a Course Map Template

In this article Make a copy of the template Follow these steps to make an editable copy of the template for your own use. You may now edit your copy of the template to reflect your own course. Best practices Examples View an example course map from HS 201. View a Course Mapping Guide graphic.…

Jan 24, 2023

Use a Welcome Letter Template

In this article Access the template Follow these steps to make an editable copy of the template for your own use. You may now edit your copy of the template to reflect your own course. Best practices Set Viewing Permission Examples View an example welcome letter from ENG 331. Watch a video walkthrough of an…

Jan 24, 2023

Use a Course Overview Template

In this article Make a copy of the template Follow these steps to make an editable copy of the template for your own use. You may now edit your copy of the Course Overview template to reflect your own course. Best practices Examples View an example course overview from ENG 331 (Communication for Engineering and…

Dec 7, 2022

Customize Learning Experiences for Students: Adaptive and Personalized Pathways in Moodle

In this article Overview: What is Customized Learning? Customized learning in this context can also be referred to as personalized learning or adaptive learning. Essentially we are designing courses, activities, or modules to provide students agency in how they move through course content via choices in format, mode of instruction, pacing, or content selection based…

Aug 13, 2022

Tips for Organizing Your Moodle Course

How can you organize the layout of your Moodle course so that students can focus their energy on learning?

Jul 12, 2021

Example Courses

Have you ever wondered what a really well-designed course looks like? These NC State courses have undergone a rigorous external review process and have been certified through the nationally recognized Quality Matters (QM) program. Each course meets research-based standards for high-quality online course design. To view the example courses below: Course Name Course Documents (NOTE:…

Jan 19, 2021

Engagement in Synchronous and Asynchronous Environments

Would you like to watch a video that covers the topics in this article? See DELTA’s video on Engagement in Online Courses (21 min 03 sec). In this article Introduction What is “student engagement?” Engagement include how students feel about the course, what do they do inside and outside of class, and how they think…

Nov 10, 2020

Helping Students Get Started in an Online Class

First impressions make a big difference in the online classroom. How can you ensure online learners feel welcome in the class and have all the information they need to get started successfully? In this article, we will discuss strategies for introducing students to the components of your online course and creating a welcoming online environment.…

Jun 24, 2020

Course Design

Creating a Course Step-by-Step Online Course Creation Guide – Use this guide to help you start creating your online course. Course Design Planning and Improvement Designing an Effective Moodle Course – Designing online courses in Moodle. Customize Learning Experiences for Students: Adaptive and Personalized Pathways – Custom learning experiences for students include personalized and adaptive course…

Aug 2, 2016

Online Course Best Practices

In this article How to Get Started Best Practices Assessment Technology Accessibility Learner Interaction Examples Resources

Mar 26, 2016

Writing Learning Objectives: Measurable and Mighty

In this article Learning Objectives: A Simple Formula Learning objectives represent the most important outcomes for your course and typically cover a range of levels of student understanding. Each learning objective should be clear and measurable to define what students will be able to do. To write a learning objective, include two parts: How to…