1.3.4 Create a Course Guide

What to include:

• Some orientation to the course interface. Providing a course map or a list of items on the course website containing descriptions of each item is very helpful in online courses. In the case of classroom and blended courses, a list of material to be received (like DVDs and hardcopies of written materials, for example) is also very helpful;
• Indication of how the resources should be studied. For example: should learners have a close reading of all resources or skimming of some? Are there resources offered as optional study material?
• An overview of key assignments or activities;
• If the course is primarily online, include guidelines for successful online learning;
• Consider providing some sort of graphic representation of the flow of the course, like a flowchart or diagram showing the sequencing of major course topics or activities. This can also be linked to the course map, showing where to find the resources to be used at each stage of the course.
• A review of minimum technical requirements, including tools and applications to be used in activities. Provide a general “technical guide” for tools and applications to be used (if applicable);
• The course schedule.