Planning Strategies

An important consideration in your planning process is that your course may not be in the originally-planned format or be what students were expecting. Students will need support and guidance as they learn through new methods. Many of the stressors that you and your students experienced earlier this year will continue. There may be issues with reliable internet access, challenges finding adequate space and time to focus on tasks, and health concerns while also balancing work, family and school.

Calculating Course Workload

Before you begin developing your course, it’s a good idea to use a workload calculator to determine how your students might experience your course in a different modality. Rochester Institute of Technology Innovative Learning Institute has created a tool which helps faculty consider how workload in a face-to-face class translates to the online learning environment. Wake Forest University’s Center for Advancement of Teaching also has a course workload calculator tool.

No matter the mode, you should build for flexibility, both in your course delivery and in your support for your students. Use the planning guidance on the following pages to help you create a course that is a positive experience for everyone.