Collaborative development reduces the intensive endeavor of online course design. This presentation introduces the process and highlights the benefits and outcomes of the Collaborative Development Model. We’ll cover lessons learned and challenges tackled at every step to apply effective implementation strategies in any context.
Designing effective online courses is a resource-intensive endeavor. The goal of this session is to present a collaborative design model we have successfully implemented in order to maximize faculty and instructional designer expertise, while minimizing faculty labor to produce courses that provide engaging, relevant learning experiences. Utilizing a collaboratively developed, undergraduate young adult literature class as an example, this presentation will introduce the process and highlight the benefits and outcomes of this unique design model. The session will be structured around lessons learned at every step of the way so participants focus on strategies for effective implementation in their own contexts. The session takes participants on a journey through the process and outcomes as they learn about the following aspects of collaborative design.
The Benefits: By effectively selecting and managing multiple faculty subject matter experts, collaborative design reduces the workload on faculty in the design process. Collaborative design also effectively leverages diverse faculty expertise and results in courses that are more well-rounded in terms of content and incorporate more engaging assessments. Collaborative design also better utilizes the talents of instructional designers as full expert participants in the course design process.
The Process: Collaborative development introduces unique challenges into the course design process, particularly for project management. Insights on faculty selection, role designation, minimizing resistance, effective facilitation, and the work of the instructional designer will be presented.
The Outcomes: Elements of a collaboratively-designed, undergraduate young adult literature class will show how the design model results in a course that successfully incorporates diverse perspectives, inclusive representation, and engaging assessments that integrate student autonomy and choice. Lessons learned will cover key takeaways for implementing the model, including enhanced relationships between faculty and instructional designers, and what participants can do differently to create more innovative learning experiences for students.
Level of Participation:
The presentation will be organized as an adventure taking participants throuh challenges and roadblocks in course design that are either unique to or further complicated by a collaborative design model. Attendees will be invited to posit solutions to these challenges throughout the session. Online polling will be integrated to collect audience feedback on potential solutions for addressing challenges with feedback provided on what is actually most successful. Audience members will also be invited to ask questions throughout the session to get feedback on their own ideas and inquiries related to collaborative design.
Session Goals:
Individuals attending this presentation will be able to articulate the benefits and positive outcomes of a collaborative design model for faculty, instructional designers, and learners. They will be able to describe the best strategies for implementing a collaborative design model. Finally, they will be able to identify the best solutions for addressing challenges in a collaborative design.