Course Structure

A Generic Model

These visualizations are meant to be simplistic representations of a typical course structure resulting from the ‘backward design’ model of course development. The underlying model is not strict and is meant only to suggest an overall format consisting of primary course themes called ‘modules’ and specific ‘topics’ meant to provide instruction in support of each module. Topics typically represent lectures, screen-shares, or similar recorded activities. Recorded lectures typically have a duration between three and eight minutes, depending on the content.

Please note that the structure of this network reflects the backward design approach:

• Modules are first described by critically important and clearly articulated learning objectives (LO)
• Learning objectives are supported by assessments meant to challenge and/or gauge student performance
• Topics, including recorded material and activities, support assessments and guide students toward mastery
• Other activities including discussion, readings, coding assignments are included in support of the learning objectives

Static Course Hierarchy

Interactive Course Hierarchy

In the interactive figure below, you may hover over each node to view the label and click+drag objects to change the network appearance. Some nodes are shown with a highlighted border to indicate that this particular topic contains special content. This special content could perhaps be an activity where the students write code (blue), complete an assessment (red), or participate in a discussion assignment (green).