This guide is designed to provide help for the course publication process on IU Expand and includes information on creating a listing, customizing your listing with graphics, and releasing your course to your target audience.

However, publishing a course online is only one part of the overall course creation process. The most important factor in determining the success of your project is utilizing the principles of effective course design. We recommend consulting the following resources:

• Universal Design for Learning Menu – a helpful checklist created by the eLearning Design and Services UDL Committee to guide you through the elements of a great online course.
• IU Expand Course Template Resources includes modules that can be customized to fit many professional learning situations including modules that lead to certification.
• Canvas Studio features easy-to-use, customizable graphics that you can download and import into your course. Graphics include module banners, hot buttons, icons, and more.
• Teaching for Student Success offers a comprehensive look at course design with activity ideas and teaching strategies from IU faculty.

Accessibility

By law, all courses in IU Expand must meet federal guidelines for accessibility. We recommend that you use the accessibility checker UDOIT in Canvas to make sure your content meets the minimum standards. No courses will be opened for enrollment until the IU Expand Team determines they have met accessibility standards and other compliance measures.

Additionally, you may find it helpful to consult the EDS ACCESSIBILITY AND UDL Pressbook, which features step-by-step tips for improving accessibility and universal design for learning.

IU Expand Course Design Services

Instructional design support for online courses at Indiana University is provided through a partnership between the IU Online and UITS. Within UITS Learning Technologies, the eLearning Design & Services (eDS) team has experienced instructional designers who have helped hundreds of faculty and staff develop online courses that meet quality guidelines and support strategic needs. The eDS team works with you to provide high-quality learning experiences for credit and non-credit projects.

During a project, eLearning Design & Services provides a principal instructional designer (ID) or manager for strategic planning and relationship building, as well as a dedicated ID for guidance in creating highly engaging online courses that meet IU Online standards and are within school and/or program requirements. This includes instructional design expertise and project management.

The instructional design team is well-versed in pedagogy, best practices and IU-supported technologies. You will be assigned one or more IDs who will collaborate with you to develop course content. Together, you’ll engage in a process called backwards design, co-creating learning outcomes and assessments. As you share your goals and expertise, the ID will recommend pedagogical approaches and Canvas structures to match.

Your instructional designer is your point of contact for all project needs, connecting you with accessibility expertise, graphic designers, video support, and even help just building your site in Canvas. You can expect to meet weekly with your ID for about a semester.

When capacity is available, eDS will accept projects through a fee-for-service model. If you are interested in working with Indiana University’s eLearning Design & Services to help design your project, please visit the Teaching Online at IU website.