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Course Design

Northwestern University is committed to delivering the highest standards of instruction and engagement for our students. The University trusts faculty to adapt to new teaching methods and modalities to maintain those high standards and continue achieving teaching and learning goals.

Are you new to Northwestern? First, review the checklist on the Canvas Learning Center’s “New to Northwestern” page.

Preparation for Remote Instruction

As you think through the design and delivery of your course, consider the impact that current circumstances may have on students’ ability to meet expectations. Be ready to handle requests for extensions or accommodation equitably. Also, remember your own planning and preparation needs when adapting your teaching.

Consider how you will manage providing lectures, structuring new opportunities for discussion or group work, and collecting assignments.

Learn About Online Course Design

Keeping Students First

In a time of uncertainty, Northwestern urges instructors to put students first. Therefore, the University asks that no matter how you run your class or evaluate student performance over the term, please balance your students' continuous engagement with some flexibility. This is for your students' sake and your own as you manage through challenges. Keep high academic standards and expectations, but also try to understand some of the complications our students face.

Remember that students may be in a different time zone. Consider those differences when scheduling meeting times and assignment due dates and times.

Technology Students Need for Classes

  • There are software and hardware recommendations on the Keep Learning page. 
  • It is highly recommended that students download the Zoom and Canvas apps.
  • It is highly recommended that students test their systems by joining a Zoom test meeting.

Student Device Ownership

  • In a 2022 survey of Northwestern undergraduates, 98 percent reported owning the device on which they completed coursework.
  • During past remote instruction periods, internet access was a potential barrier for students regardless of their device ownership.

Other Student Resources

Design Assistance

Northwestern IT Teaching and Learning Technologies offers two services for instructors who need assistance with course design:

  • Instructional Design Consultation Request: One-on-one consultation sessions are provided for course design and redesign, blended and online learning, active learning techniques, accessibility and inclusivity, and using learning apps within Canvas. Request a consultation with Teaching and Learning Technologies to create meaningful and pedagogically sound learning experiences. Programs or departments may also request large-scale program redesign and evaluation services.
  • Collaborative Course Evaluation Service: Work with a learning engineer from Teaching and Learning Technologies to better understand how your learning objectives and assessments connect to and support student learning.

Ask your department if there is a specific course design or template you should use for your Canvas course site.