Presentation Title: “Designing Engaging and Effective Online Courses: Five Foundational Pillars”
This session explores five evidence-based practices of online course design—aligned objectives, clear instructions, engaging content, effective assessment, and accessibility—offering practical strategies faculty can use to create inclusive, high-quality online learning experiences.
Designing an effective online course requires more than just moving content to a digital format. As online learning opportunities continue to increase, many faculty are tasked with designing or redesigning courses for virtual delivery, often without formal training in instructional design. This session explores five essential components of quality online course design: (1) aligned learning objectives, (2) clear instructions for learners, (3) engaging content and activities, (4) effective assessment and feedback, and (5) accessibility. Grounded in best practices and instructional design standards, this session offers practical strategies faculty can implement immediately. Whether participants are new to online teaching or looking to enhance an existing course, they will leave with a clearer understanding of how to build student-centered, inclusive, and high-quality online learning experiences.
Participants will explore the following key areas:
1. Aligned Learning Objectives – how to write clear, measurable objectives and align them with course content, learning activities, and assessments.
2. Clear Instructions for Learners – how to support students with explicit directions on how to begin, navigate, and succeed in the course.
3. Engaging Content and Learning Activities – strategies for building interaction and promoting active learning.
4. Effective Assessment and Feedback – how to design assessments that demonstrate learning and provide meaningful feedback to support improvement.
5. Accessibility – how to create inclusive content that meets the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities, by using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
The session is designed to be interactive and practical, offering examples, templates, and quick tips faculty can apply immediately. Emphasis will be placed on designing with intentionality, improving student experience, and reducing barriers to learning. Participants will also be encouraged to reflect on their own course design and identify opportunities for enhancement.
- Information Technology Staff
- Higher Education Faculty
- #online #engaging learning
Presenter Information
Dr. Elkins is a seasoned special education professor, online instructor, researcher, and administrator of disability services. She has designed and taught online courses since 2009. As a Master Reviewer for Quality Matters (QM), she has served on over 20 QM review teams. She facilitates the Applying the QM Rubric (APPQMR) and the Teaching Online (TOL) workshops for QM. For 4 years, she served as a facilitator of the APPQMR and served 1 year as the QM Coordinator for the West Virginia QM system.
Administrative Notes
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