There is no one way to structure a course. Here are some considerations which have contributed to successful enhanced, blended and fully-online courses. Ask yourself the following questions:

Schedule

• Will it be self-paced, following a set calendar, etc.?

Calendar

• Will you use a calendar with assignment and test due dates or some other method?

Sequencing

• Determine the logical progression of your materials. Will it be a linear or random order?
• Do you want students to see all the materials in the entire course?
• Does the content drive the organization?
• Will you restrict them to a segment at a time?
• Must a student master one segment before being allowed to move to the next?
• Must your material be taught in a step-by-step fashion?
• Can students perform course tasks in any order?

Content Segments

• How will you organize and split up your content?
• Will you allow students to print content?
• How will you present the course information?
• What is the best way to group your information?
• Will you use modules, weeks, lessons, units or something else?
• Will you use an orientation, help section or general resource?

Pre-test or remediation

• Will you pre-test students?
• Will you offer remedial material?

Types of activities the student will be required to complete

• Will you use written assignments, online self-tests, participation in the discussion board, group work, etc.?

Procedure for submission of electronic assignments

• What are the rules?
• Can they submit multiple copies?
• Can others view submissions?
• Will you use drop boxes?
• Must they use a specific format?
• Will you specify a deadline?
• How will you handle late submissions?
• How will you handle technological problems?

Assignments and Class Size

• Considering your class size, how much time can you devote to reviewing assignments?
• Do you have TA support?
• Will you use peer review?
• Will you use groups?

Testing Procedures and Assessments

• What kinds of assessments will you use?
• Will they be online, proctored, etc.?
• How many assessments will you use?
• What must the student do or perform to provide sufficient evidence that they have indeed comprehended the materials?
• Will you require memorization, analysis or skill performance?
• Are the assessments low-stakes or high-stakes?
• Will you use self-assessment?
• How do you feel about cheating?
• Will your assessments be driven by your opinions on cheating? For example, you may choose not to use multiple-choice exams, but have them write a paper.
• Will you weight your various assessments differently?

Course Communications

• What is your preferred mode of having students communicate with you? Will you use email, discussion board, etc. and how?
• What is your preferred mode of having students communicate with other students? Will they use instant messages, phone, course mail, email, discussion boards, etc. and how?

Syllabus

• Does your syllabus reflect your course structure, segments, projects and grades?

Orientation

• Have you considered an online orientation to both the online tools and your course?
• Is completion of the orientation required to access the course material?

Evaluation

• Will you provide an evaluation after each segment?
• Will you poll and survey student opinion?
• What do you want feedback on?
• Will you use MSU's online SIRS and SOCT?