When Should You Create An Online College Course?

by Angela Britcher
May 9, 2023
When Should You Create An Online College Course?

You are tasked with creating a new online course. However, creating an online college course can be daunting, especially if you’re new to instructional design. There’s often debate over when to complete course development. Some institutions require developing a course and having it ready in the LMS before it starts so it can be reviewed and students have access to the entire course. For others, instructors can develop and input content into the LMS as the semester goes on. We’ll discuss when you should create an online college course, instructional design tips, and when to make updates in live classes.

When Should You Create An Online College Course?

Before creating an online course, assessing whether it’s the right approach for your subject matter and teaching style is essential. You must also consider the learning objectives and what assessments best demonstrate students learning. We suggest starting with a course planning document to map the learning objectives and assessments. Then, you can start developing the course content, including media, textbooks and other readings, micro-lectures, exemplars, case studies, and other relevant materials.

Instructional Design Tips

Instructional design is the process of creating effective and engaging educational content. These tips can help you create an online college course that is engaging, informative, and effective.
- Set clear learning objectives: Before creating your course, it’s crucial to define clear learning objectives. These objectives should be specific, measurable, and achievable.
- Use multimedia: One of the benefits of online courses is the ability to incorporate multimedia such as videos, audio recordings, and interactive activities. These can keep students engaged and enhance their understanding of the material.
- Create a consistent format: Consistency is vital in online courses. Use a consistent format throughout the course, including layout, font, and color scheme.
- Provide regular feedback: Feedback is essential for student learning. Provide regular feedback to help students understand their progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Incorporate assessments: Assessments can help students retain information and ensure they understand the material. Consider including quizzes, assignments, and exams in your online course.
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When To Make Updates In Live Courses

Even after the course has been launched, it’s important to continue making updates and improvements to ensure the course meets the needs of your students. Here are some situations where updates may be necessary:
- New information: If new information that is relevant to your course becomes available, consider updating the content to reflect these changes.
- Student feedback: Feedback from students can be invaluable in identifying areas where the course can be improved.
- Technological changes: As technology evolves, it’s essential to keep up with new tools and platforms to enhance the learning experience.
Should the course be completed before the semester start, or can it be created during the semester?

Online courses should be completed before the semester starts to give students ample time to familiarize themselves with the course content and structure. However, suppose circumstances require you to create a course during the semester. In that case, creating an effective online course is still possible. Just be sure to allocate enough time to create quality content and provide regular feedback to students.

Creating an online college course can be a rewarding experience that benefits you and your students. By following these instructional design tips and regularly updating your course, you can create an engaging and effective online learning experience for your students.
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Angela Britcher

Angela Britcher is an instructional designer and content creator with The Babb Group. She is also an adjunct professor of business and communications.
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