Effective course design is a continuous improvement process that includes five interconnected components. The design process generally starts with analyzing and identifying desired, measureable learning outcomes that support program objectives. The deliberate design of learning experiences along with assessment will help to shape the optimal learning environment. As faculty regularly measure learning outcomes, the instructional design can be revised in the interest of achieving the optimal experiences for students. The course design components are presented below in Figure 2 which illustrates the interconnectivity of these components.

 

• The Identification of learning outcomes: Learning outcomes should indicate the knowledge and skills learners will demonstrate after completing a course and answer the question, “what outcome will the learner achieve after successfully completing the course?” 
• The designing of effective learning experiences: Learning experiences should be comprised of the following:
  • Instructional Materials: These can include a variety of printed and online resources that meet with varying learning styles. 
  • Interaction: These can include faculty-learner interaction, learner-instructional materials interaction, learner-learner interaction, interface-learner interaction, and learner support.
  • Learning Activities: These can include learner-centered activities that are engaging and meaningful.
   
• The development of feedback and measurement strategies that help learners to achieve stated learning objectives.
  
   

 

 The following is an example that outlines the effective course design components in a Management Information Systems (MIS) course.