Revised 8/25

EDU 287 - Instructional Design for Online Learning (3 CR.)

Course Description

Prepares educators to design online courses that encourage active learning and student participation. Focuses on instructional design practices including the development of content tied to learning objectives and a peer-based approach to evaluating courses. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to prepare learners to develop instructional content for online delivery. Learners will complete a Course Design Project (CDP). A CDP is at least one complete learning module of an online course. The learners will complete this goal by developing well-written instructional goals for the learning module; writing measurable and observable student learning objectives; selecting methods, media, and materials and creating content specific multi-media that enhance/compliment the specified student learning objectives; and writing/developing appropriate assessment for the CDP.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

This course is for teaching faculty who are interested in instructional design. This course compliments EDU 285, which addresses the roles and tasks of the online teacher. EDU 285 and 287 may be taken in any sequence. 

Participant must have used Canvas (the VCCS’ course delivery system) as a supplement to their face-to- face course for at least one semester prior to enrolling.

Course Objectives

  • Apply foundational learning theories and online-specific frameworks (e.g., Community of Inquiry, Transactional Distance, UDL) to the design of an online course.
  • Write measurable course- and module-level learning objectives that clearly describe what students will be able to do and how learning will be demonstrated.
  • Conduct an academic needs assessment to inform course structure, modality, and learner support strategies.
  • Build a course map showing alignment between objectives, materials, activities, and assessments.
  • Select or develop instructional materials that are accessible and aligned to objectives.
  • Design formative, summative, and authentic assessments that measure stated objectives, support student learning, and include plans for providing timely, meaningful feedback.
  • Integrate learner interaction opportunities that support student–content, student–student, and student–instructor engagement.
  • Ensure implementation of Quality Matters (QM) essential standards, OQSAR guidelines, ADA/Section 504 accessibility requirements, and federal RSI and FERPA regulations.
  • Develop and showcase a cohesive, accessible, engaging online course aligned with course and module objectives.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Online learning frameworks
  • Academic needs assessment and course planning
  • Writing measurable objectives
  • Building course maps
  • Instructional materials and content development
  • Assessment design
  • Student engagement and interaction
  • Quality standards, accessibility, and compliance
  • Course integration and showcase