Learning Experience Design Studio

Office of the Provost

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Instructional Design

Our team of experts is skilled in best practices for designing learning experiences that promote active learning and the development of critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to helping faculty maximize opportunities for student engagement, success, and retention. We provide unique solutions to foster an impactful student experience.

Photograph of a girl holding her chin, thinking intently

 

24 Week Course Development Process

Weeks 1–7 ▾
Course Design
Plan learning objectives and overall course structure.

During Weeks 1–7, faculty developers collaborate with their instructional design team to establish clear learning objectives, outline the course structure, and ensure alignment between content, assessments, and learning outcomes.

Weeks 8–16 ▾
Content Creation
Develop course materials, modules, and multimedia.

Work by the instructional designer (ID) and course builder overlaps during these weeks. During Weeks 8–16, faculty developers and their ID team focus on content creation. Together, they curate engaging course materials, design interactive modules, and bring learning to life with multimedia elements.

Weeks 17–20 ▾
Content Finalization & LMS Build
Finalize course content and complete LMS configuration.

During Weeks 17–20, the course development process begins to wrap up as all content is refined and built out in Canvas. The assigned course builder ensures the course’s content is accessible, well organized, and that all LMS configurations are set up correctly.

Weeks 21–24 ▾
Course Review
Conduct final revisions, address feedback, and ensure everything is ready for launch.

During Weeks 21–24, the course undergoes a final quality review to ensure readiness for a successful launch. Another instructional designer carefully evaluates the course. If revisions are needed, the ID team collaborates with the faculty developer to make necessary adjustments, ensuring the course meets quality standards for an engaging student experience.

Week 26 ▾
Course Handoff
Transition the course for final delivery.

During Week 26, the completed course is formally handed off to the faculty developer and any relevant support staff, ensuring all materials are ready for deployment and a smooth launch.

  • Phased approach:
    Focus on design, course building, and review to align with best practices, the VCU teaching landscape, and current educational technology.
  • Primary objective:
    Deliver a high-quality, accessible, and equitable learning experience for VCU students.
  • Key documents:
    • Course Plan: Ensures all assessments, content, and course units align with learning objectives.
    • Course Storyboard: Outlines the visual and structural layout, providing a clear framework for building the course.
    • Course Development Process: A timeline that outlines what is expected each week during the development process.
  • 24-week collaboration:
    Involves a faculty developer plus two Curriculum Development experts
    • an instructional designer
    • a course builder

"I found the weekly check-ins very helpful."

"(Ginny) had a very good eye for detail and offered good advice."

"The ID’s were professional, responsive, courteous, accommodating, and flexible."

"They went over and beyond to help me create the course of my dreams!"

"You have a talented staff and everything was very organized and professional."