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New self-paced guide empowers faculty to design high-quality online courses

µÛÍõ»áËù faculty who are new to online teaching now have a powerful new resource: the Online Course Design: Interactive Guide, created by the instructional designers in the Office of Instructional Design (OID). 

This self-paced, approximately two-hour guide provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for creating engaging and effective online courses. It is designed to be flexible — instructors can work through the guide in one sitting or revisit sections as needed throughout the course design process. 

A purpose-driven resource

The guide takes faculty through each stage of course creation: 

  • Predesign – understanding learner needs
  • Design – planning course structure, activities, and assessments
  • Development – building materials and incorporating technology tools
  • Delivery – launching the course and engaging students effectively 

The purpose is not only to help instructors design a course that meets quality standards but also to provide practical tools, examples, and strategies they can immediately apply. This makes the guide a valuable resource whether you are creating a brand-new course or refreshing an existing one. 

About the Office of Instructional Design

OID partners with faculty to create innovative, student-centered learning experiences across modalities. Services include:

  • Consultations on course design and teaching strategies
  • Support for integrating technology into instruction
  • Guidance on best practices for accessibility and inclusivity
  • Resources for assessment and continuous improvement

By offering this guide, OID aims to extend its expertise beyond individual consultations, giving faculty a resource they can use anytime, anywhere — from the earliest planning stages to the final touches before launching a course.

Ready to get started? 

Enroll in the Online Course Design: Interactive Guide today and take the next step toward creating engaging, effective online learning experiences. 

Visit the Office of Instructional Design website or email the OID team at oid@ohio.edu for more information or to connect with an instructional designer.

Published
August 22, 2025
Author
Staff reports