Development Timeline for New Course

Infographic describing Course Development Timeline

Development Timeline for New Course

Successful development of a high quality course takes significant planning, organization, collaboration and time. It is highly recommended that course development for a new course begin at least 1 semester before it is scheduled to be taught. 

Below is a timeline of tasks to be completed and estimated time. It assumed that the course being developed is 15 weeks long, has never been taught online before and that the aim is to develop a high quality course as defined by Quality Matters Standards. During the development process, plans for accessibility and UDL considerations must be considered.

Graphic Icon representing Intial Meeting

Initial Meeting

Initial meeting with elearning specialist to review timeline and resources. Share syllabus and any other existing materials. Discuss vision for the course. Review expected completion dates. TIMELINE: 1 week
Graphic Icon representing Syllabus & Course Map

Complete Syllabus & Course Map

Course Map must include course objectives, module objectives, learning materials (including any textbook, publisher materials), learning activities, assessments and course tools Create course in Canvas for development TIMELINE: 2 weeks
Graphic Icon representing Modules 1-3

Modules 1-3

Using course and module objectives, develop learning material, activities and assessments for Modules 1-3. Each assessment must have a rubric or grading criteria Learning materials need to be linked and cited correctly. If developing instructor made materials, must work with Media Content Developer. High production course materials may create a longer timeline. This can add an additional 3-4 weeks. Consider what tools will be needed in the course. TIMELINE: 3 ~ 8 weeks depends on the complexity

Graphic Icon representing Modules 4-8

Modules 4-8
Graphic Icon for remaining modules

Remaining Modules
Graphic Icon for Accessibility

Accessibility
Graphic Icon for Start Here Section

Start Here Section
Graphic Icon for QM Course Review

QM Course Review
Graphic Icon for QM Submission

QM Submission

Timeline

Initial meeting with elearning specialist to review timeline and resources. 

Share syllabus and any other existing materials. 

Discuss vision for the course. 

Review expected completion dates. 

TIMELINE: 1 week

Course Map must include course objectives, module objectives, learning materials (including any textbook, publisher materials), learning activities, assessments and course tools

Create course in Canvas for development

TIMELINE: 2 weeks

Develop Modules 1-3 or Weeks 1-3. 

Using course and module objectives, develop learning material, activities and assessments for Modules 1-3. 

Each assessment must have a rubric or grading criteria

Learning materials need to be linked and cited correctly.

If developing instructor made materials, must work with Media Content Developer. High production course materials may create a longer timeline. This can add an additional 3-4 weeks. 

Consider what tools will be needed in the course. 

TIMELINE: 3 ~ 8 weeks depends on the complexity of the module design

Develop Modules 4-8

TIMELINE: 3 ~ 8 weeks depends on the complexity of the module design

Develop Modules remaining modules. 

TIMELINE: 3 ~ 8 weeks depends on the complexity of the module design

Ensure accessibility standards are met. 

Evaluate and remediate all materials for ADA web accessibility, readability and navigation. 

TIMELINE: 2 weeks

Create Start Here area in course

Include Course Tour Video, Syllabus, Schedule and Welcome Announcement. Configure course settings including gradebook policies, navigation menu, etc. 

TIMELINE: 1 week (can be completed during the accessibility review)

Course Review using QM Rubric

TIMELINE: 2 weeks

Submission to QM for review and receive Quality certification

TIMELINE: 6 weeks- up to 14 weeks if amendments are needed