Find out about the course design and development process.
How online courses are developed
The course development process supports the academic team in the design and development of their course and modules and consists of five stages:
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Course approval
Proposals will go through the usual Sussex Portfolio Approval Committee (PAC) and Validation processes as well as the partnership approval process.
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Learning design
Learning design is used to design a framework structure for the modules to follow to provide an engaging and consistent learning experience for students. This is co-created by the course team through workshops led by a Learning Designer.
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Blueprinting
Blueprinting, also known as curriculum planning, is where the module lead/conveyor works with an instructional designer to plan the learning content, activities, and assessment for their module, based on the learning design.
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Content development
The module lead/conveyor works with an instructional designer to write the learning materials for the module based on the blueprint.
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Quality assurance
The learning materials are proofread and copyedited, as well as checked to ensure they meet accessibility requirements.
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Digital production
The learning materials are built into the Canvas module ready for teaching start.
How we deliver online courses
Module specific learning content is built onto Canvas and takes various forms including text, images, videos, interactives, along with reflective and assessment activities.
Communication takes place using Canvas tools such as announcements, email, discussion boards and live seminars. Other platforms and tools such as Zoom and Padlet can be used to support synchronous activities, engagement, and formative tasks.
ODL modules in Canvas also contain an embedded reading list structured into weekly sections and further resources specific for each module to support independent learning and research.
All distance learning course materials are built to ensure accessibility standards have been met, in line with the WCAG 2.1 accessibility guidelines, level AA as a minimum.
Module evaluation and refresh
After a module concludes teaching, an evaluation meeting is organised with the academic team to discuss delivery and potential updates to the module. This includes:
- reviewing any student feedback
- evaluating engagement levels in the module
- introducing any innovative ideas and opportunities to improve the learning experience.
Changes may include updating the learning content, assessment structure or format of the delivery approach, and may be subject to school board approval.