Course Development Checklist

In This Section

This checklist provides an overview to help guide and support you through the collaborative and iterative process of course development.

You can download the PDF version of the Checklist and access the companion Course Development Toolkit to find detailed description of each checklist item.

Access and bookmark essential websites for course design and development.
Connect with your program Dean or School Support (ISS) and your Instructional Designer (ID).
Review instructional policies and key terms to guide the course development process.

Review collaborative course development guidelines before meeting with ID.
Meet with your ID to discuss course goals, modality, timeline for preparation, and your support needs.
Conduct a collaborative needs assessment including program needs, learner needs, and any other relevant situational factors.
Confirm school/program expectations for the CLOs and PLO assessments in your course.

Consider the course design from a backward design perspective.
Map the course to demonstrate intentional design and alignment:
- module-level learning outcomes in alignment with course level outcomes
- assessments aligned with course learning outcomes and providing acceptable evidence of student learning (both formative and summative),
- thoughtful selection of learning materials and design of learning activities
Plan for student engagement and interaction (RSI) in an online course.

Use the Canvas LMS and template to create a student-friendly course structure, including a homepage, modules, and student support resources.
Set up and plan to use Canvas tools for communication, grading, and student engagement/ interactivity (RSI).
Upload and embed accessible course content.
Review the course from a student perspective for usability, support resources, accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Review course alignment with instructional policies: credit hours, student engagement and interaction (RSI), and ADA policies.
Review QM standards for quality assurance.
Prepare an existing course for a new term: Start of Term Checklist
Publish the finalized overall course with home page, syllabus, and Getting Started module two weeks before the term begins.

Maintain instructor presence and foster student engagement throughout the semester.
Communicate openly and regularly with students.
Provide regular constructive feedback on student work.
Reflect on student work, student feedback, and Canvas course data to revise and improve the course in future offerings.

Resources