Course Design

Getting started with course design or redesign

If you’re building or redesigning a course, these resources provide a helpful starting point.

• Step-by-Step Moodle Course Creation Guide – Use this guide to help you start creating your online course.
• Online Course Best Practices – Explore effective ways to teach an engaging, effective online course and optimize the online learning experience.
• Using AI to Assist With Course Design – Learn how generative AI tools can help streamline workflow while incorporating research-based course design practices.
• Example Courses – Explore NC State courses that have undergone a rigorous external review process and have been certified through the nationally recognized Quality Matters (QM) program.

Designing for a specific course format

Consider how course delivery formats shape the learning experience.

• Hybrid Teaching: Best Practices – Strategies for teaching a course with both online and face-to-face components.
• HyFlex Teaching: Best Practices – HyFlex courses provide a multimodal approach to learning, combining online and in-person students within the same course.
• Large Course Redesign Best Practices – Large courses offer a unique experience for both teachers and students. Explore tips and suggestions to make these courses effective.
• Designing Online Training – Tips and considerations for designing an online training workshop or course.
• Make Your Course More Mobile-Friendly – Consider a framework for optimizing your course for mobile devices, providing a better user experience, increasing engagement, and helping your learners succeed.

Using learning objectives as your design foundation

Design activities and assessments that clearly support your learning objectives.

• Writing Learning Objectives: Measurable and Mighty – How to construct well-written learning objectives to define expectations for students.
• AI Fluency: Course Design – Learn how AI tools can support early stages of course planning, beginning with well-written learning objectives.
• Use a Course Map Template – Plan out your course and ensure alignment of course components with this course map template.
• Connecting Instructional Materials and Learning Activities – Explore strategies to help students see the link between the resources you give them and the tasks they need to complete.
• Activities versus Assessments: Measuring Student Learning – Activities build toward larger assessments, helping students practice skills and receive feedback along the way.

Making course design transparent

Clear organization and expectations as well as transparent course design help with learner buy-in and success.

• Use a Course Overview Template – Explain the purpose and structure of the course in a Course Overview document.
• Use a Syllabus Template – Provide clarity to students with a syllabus template that includes example language and required university policies.
• Use an Online Learning Expectations Template – Clearly communicate expectations for behavior and participation in your online course.
• Use a Welcome Letter Template – Let students know how to get started in your course by sending a welcome letter before the start of class.
• Help Students Get Started in an Online Class – Strategies for introducing students to the components of your online course and creating a welcoming environment.

Designing a course that supports all students

Design courses that reduce barriers and help a wide range of learners succeed.

• Supporting Neurodiverse Students Through Course Design – Explore strategies for supporting neurodivergent learners.
• Reaching All Students with Universal Design for Learning – Apply UDL principles to reduce barriers for students.
• Boost Motivation with Universal Design for Learning – Support student engagement through flexible learning design to widen interest and persistence.
• Optimize Student Performance with Universal Design for Learning – Offer multiple ways for students to demonstrate learning with UDL.