COURSE DEVELOPMENT

The online course development process is based on a team approach. Faculty who have been awarded a development contract assigned a course for development or redevelopment will be fully supported throughout the entire process.

A Brief Overview of the Process

New course development and course redevelopment is generally completed in four stages.

• STAGE I: PRELIMINARY STAGE
  When a new course development or redevelopment is required, a Subject Matter Expert or “Developer” (usually an instructor who has taught the course before) is assigned to work with an Instructional Design Consultant (ID), who will guide the Developer through the rest of the process.


• STAGE II: PLANNING STAGE
  Once the development project has been assigned, the ID and Developer assigned will meet to determine how best to achieve the goals and objectives of the course. A Course Alignment Map is used to help align the learning objectives, learning activities, content to be presented, and assessment items. It can also be used to identify strategies and tools best suited to accomplish each objective and to identify any additional media required. A timeline for completion as well as a regular weekly meeting schedule (via telephone or webconference) will be established to help ensure timely completion.


• STAGE III: PRODUCTION STAGE
  Once the planning stage has been completed, the production stage can begin. Using word processing software, the Developer prepares the course content and submits it via email to the ID. The material is reviewed and feedback and suggestions are made. The ID is responsible for converting the submitted material to an approved online format and uploads it into the learning management system used by the College - Brightspace (D2L).


• STAGE IV: POST-PRODUCTION
  This stage allows time for making adjustments/revisions if necessary. Once satisfied that the course has been developed to an acceptable standard, the ID notifies the Instructional Design Specialist (IDS) who then conducts a final quality review of the course and notifies the Dean of Distributed Learning that the course has been completed.
  
  Course revisions follow a similar process but are often completed by qualified faculty members who have less than a full workload assigned or who are on recall.

Questions about the Online Course Development Process

Is training provided?

Yes. We provide direct, hands-on training to every DL Developer. An ID is assigned to each developer and DL provides an ongoing supportive environment throughout the course development process

What is the timeframe? Are there deadlines?

As part of the development discussion, we will agree upon a target development deadline. DL staff will work with you to plan and to achieve your development goals.