Timeline for instructional design

Working with instructional designers on a full course design or redesign requires commitment and substantial effort on the part of the instructor. While no two course development processes are the same, here is a sample of a timeline for development and the steps in the process.

• During the first month of development:
  • The instructor meets with an instructional designer to initiate the process. The focus is on the big picture, and topics typically include learning outcomes, the course modality, the expected student population, and how this course ties into an existing or expected curriculum.
  • During the next few meetings, a course storyboard is created. This course storyboard aligns the content of the course to the learning outcomes and objectives in the syllabus. It also provides information about what technology will be used in the course, how and when students will interact with each other and the instructor, and what content needs to be created during the course development.
  • A project statement is written that details the scope of the work and provides a timeline and an expectation of commitment from all those involved and a production schedule is designed that ensures the content will be ready in time for the course to run.
• During the second month of development:
  • A prototype module is selected. This is a portion of the course that serves as a focus for all of the design decisions that need to be made during the development of the course. Prototype modules are typically the most complicated portions of the course.
  • During the development of the prototype, the instructor will script lecture content and work with the instructional designer on the storyboards that accompany the material. These storyboards provide specific instructions for our production team to use when they edit the video, and the process helps ensure that the content created in the ID Studio will be fully accessible.
  • When the script and storyboard for the prototype are complete, it’s time for the first studio recording. The first filming is referred to as the “dry run” and it’s when all of the settings for the lights, video and audio are tested and documented. It’s a great opportunity for the instructor to become familiar with the teleprompter and learn how to control it during filmings. Often, there is enough time during this session to record the audio and video that will be used in the production of the prototype.
  • Once the prototype has been filmed in the studio, it can go into production. The instructional designer uses this production to establish a style guide for the course materials. This style guide is used throughout future productions to ensure that the look and feel of the content remains consistent.
  • If additional types of content need to be produced, that material should be designed during this time as well. These videos may be filmings on location, content from guest speakers, lightboard videos or filmed demonstrations, to name a few options.
  • When the prototype is ready for review, the instructor provides feedback and any changes to the process are noted and implemented for future productions.
  • The prototype module is built in Brightspace, and it includes the video content as well as additional learning resources, assessments, discussions, and tutorials for any technology the students need to use in the course.
• During the next 3-6 months, production continues:
  • The instructor continues to meet regularly with their instructional designers. The instructor scripts and storyboards the content, and the materials are reviewed by the instructional designer before being filmed.
  • Regular time in the studio is reserved for the instructor’s filmings, and the content is put into the ID Studio’s production queue. As videos are produced, they are sent to the instructor for feedback and edits are completed before the videos are finalized.
  • While the content is being created in the ID studio, the instructor works to complete the layout of the course materials in Brightspace. Patterns established in the prototype modules serve as guides for subsequent modules. The instructional designer provides feedback and problem solving as needed.
• Two months before the course is offered:
  • Productions are finalized and any videos recorded with the ID Studio are put through a caption correction process.
  • Modules are tested by the instructor and reviewed by the instructional designer for alignment with the course storyboard. Any Brightspace issues are addressed.
  • The gradebook is finalized and any in class or synchronous activities, where applicable, are discussed and planned for with the instructional designer. Any additional materials or technologies, such as publisher content or the integration of iClicker, are connected to the course materials.