Series 2: Workbook 2C Companion Course
Instructional Design for Online Learning
Course Description
This workbook guides learners through the process of designing instruction specifically for online delivery. Topics include online learning environments, course management systems, and learner engagement strategies. By the end, learners will have designed an online course module using tools and practices that promote accessibility, interaction, and learner success.
Companion Course 2C
Chapters
Select a chapter tile below to read the content and complete the activities.
Chapter 1
Foundations of Online Learning
This chapter begins by defining the different types of online learning environments. Some courses are fully online, others blend in-person and digital instruction, and still others operate in hybrid formats. Each model carries implications for design, learner interaction, and instructor presence. Recognizing these distinctions provides a baseline for deciding how to shape content, activities, and assessments.
Chapter 2
Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Tools
In this chapter, you will explore the essential features of LMS platforms and how they support effective design. You will examine how content is organized, how learners access materials, and how instructors manage interactions and assessments. Beyond the built-in features, you will also consider the role of third-party tools and plugins that extend LMS functionality, such as interactive activities, collaboration spaces, and video conferencing. Each tool choice comes with considerations of compatibility, accessibility, and privacy.
Chapter 3
Designing for Learner Engagement in Online Environments
In this chapter, you will examine the foundations of learner engagement and how they apply to digital environments. You will begin by looking at the principles of engagement and why this is an essential element for learning success, especially in online courses where learners are often working independently. From there, you will explore how to design interactive activities that bring content to life and encourage active participation.
Chapter 4
Designing Your Online Course Module
This chapter focuses on the practical steps of building modules that are not only organized but also engaging and supportive. You will begin with strategies for structuring a module so that learners can navigate it with ease. Then you will explore how to embed interaction purposefully, applying the engagement principles from the previous chapter in ways that directly support learning goals. Next, you will consider how to balance collaboration with independent work, ensuring that all learners find opportunities to contribute while also having space for self-directed learning. Finally, you will learn how to integrate feedback mechanisms into your design, providing learners with the guidance and encouragement they need to stay on track.
Chapter 5
Multimedia and Accessibility in Online Learning
This chapter will guide you through the process of selecting the right media for online delivery, designing accessible and inclusive media, and applying best practices for creating videos, podcasts, graphics, and interactive tools. Finally, it will connect these practices to the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), showing how multimedia can provide multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression.