Course Framework

If your course is part of an online program, then you will be asked to work with other faculty in your department and an instructional designer to develop a course structure or framework. This is necessary to not only brand the program but to make navigating the courses within a program easier for students. NIU course frameworks also follow the Quality Matters^TM standards for course design.

Elements of Framework

Once the framework is approved, the instructional designers will help faculty to implement the framework into their online courses. Elements of a framework might include:

Blackboard Ultra Course Structure

• Welcome and Overview
• Course Information
  • Syllabus
  • Schedule
  • Instructor Introduction
• Module 1
  • Introduction
  • Objectives
  • Readings
  • Presentations
  • Discussion
  • Assessment
• Module 2
• etc.  

Typical Module Structure

• Introduction (module overview)
• Learning objectives stated
• Standards
• Numbered list of activities
• Due dates
• Content (multiple format: readings, lecture, websites)
• Assignments (redesigned for online format)
• Interactive activities (e.g. discussion forum topics, group projects)