Akesha M. Horton

A few weeks ago, I shared some resources that included an interactive site which allowed you to plan out each lesson or module of your course. The information below can be used to help you to map out your course. Couse Mapping is an excellent approach to designing or redesigning a course. The Course Mapping Guide linked below allows you to complete a curriculum analysis of your course which results in a course map that displays the alignment of all components of a course. If you view the example on their site of the Java Programming class, you are able to see how each of the course outcomes are addressed through the modules of the course. You can also understand how the assessments and rubrics, learner interactions and engagements, as well as the instructional materials support the learning outcomes for each module: https://www.coursemapguide.com/mapping-your-course

Screen shot of course map at the modular level.

Quality Matters provides a similar tool that includes a Learning Objectives Activity. This activity helps you to ensure that your learning objectives are S.M.A.R.T.:
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Bound. https://www.qualitymatters.org/sites/default/files/presentations/MapYourWayToAQualityCourse_HandoutLOs_ApodacaForsythe.pdf For more information see: https://www.qualitymatters.org/qa-resources/resource-center/conference-presentations/map-your-way-quality-course-course-mapping

A few more template examples can be found here:
https://nmsu.instructure.com/courses/949381/assignments/3676931

Research related to the Universal Design for Learning https://udlguidelines.cast.org/ reminds us that creating accessible material is a win for all students. One of the access points that students may have to you and your course is the syllabus. The course syllabus communicates more than just due dates and contact information. You can set a tone of respect and inclusivity in your course by providing a syllabus that includes IU’s disability accommodation statement with a personalized touch and in an accessible and usable format.

The Accessible Syllabus Website: https://www.accessiblesyllabus.com provides examples, as well as advice to consider about how to present text, images, rhetoric, and policy in an inclusive manner. These approaches can also be used in the development of lectures and other course materials.

Additionally, the site embeds multiple resources within each topic area. For example, the section on Policy compares traditional and inclusive policy statements, discusses approaches to expanding deadlines, and addresses various types of grading practices.

Again, all approaches mentioned on this site may not work for your course; as inclusive teaching emphasizes that there is no one size fits all approach. The advice, as presented, may require modification to best support your teaching goals.

You can also find additional resources related to syllabi creation in this IU Expand course: https://iu.instructure.com/courses/1716451/pages/the-syllabus-a-must-have, and in this IU Pressbooks chapter: https://iu.pressbooks.pub/semesterchecklist/chapter/add-your-syllabus/