Using Backward Design to Build an Asynchronous Online Course
Backward design is a powerful framework that helps you (and faculty around the world) to create courses with clear learning outcomes, focused assessments, and engaging activities. Let's dive into how you can apply this approach to your course design process. Backward design starts with the end in mind. Backward design will help you design learner-centered courses instead of content-centered courses.
Step 1: Identify Desired Results
Start by identifying what students should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the course. These are your course learning outcomes. Align these outcomes with the overall program and institutional goals to ensure coherence and relevance.
Step 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence
Next, determine how you will assess whether students have achieved the learning outcomes. Design assessments that are aligned with the outcomes and provide a variety of opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding and skills.
Step 3: Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction
With the outcomes and assessments in place, plan the learning experiences and instructional strategies that will help students achieve the desired results. Consider a variety of activities, resources, and technologies that will engage students and support their learning.
Benefits of Backward Design in Asynchronous Online Courses
- Clear Focus: Backward design keeps the focus on what students need to learn, rather than just delivering content.
- Alignment: Ensures alignment between learning outcomes, assessments, and activities.
- Engagement: Promotes engagement by designing activities that are meaningful and relevant to students.
- Flexibility: Allows for flexibility in how content is delivered, making it suitable for asynchronous online learning environments.
Conclusion
Backward design is a valuable approach for developing high-quality asynchronous online courses. By starting with the end in mind, you can create courses that are focused, engaging, and effective in achieving the desired learning outcomes. We encourage you to apply these principles in your course development process and see the positive impact on student learning.
Digging Deeper
It's encouraged that you use this article in tandem with: Course Mapping: Your Essential Tool for Effective Course Design
References
Wiggins, G.P. and McTighe, J. (2008) Understanding by design. Alexandria, Va, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.