Create An Online Course

Level 2 Course Creation Guide

House Blueprint

Purposes of a Level 2:

Customers receive research-based information in an online, professionally designed format.

Recommendations for a Level 2:

  • Assisted by instructional designers
  • Revenue generating
  • Assessment

Step 1: Do Market Analyses

Having a level 1 created has several benefits, including:

  • A proof of concept with tested market viability
  • Materials are ready for fast implementation by an instructional designer
  • More accurate estimate regarding the time and resources needed for course enhancements
 
Level 1 Creation Guide 
 

Step 2: Decide on Features and Platform

An online course can be enhanced with a variety of features; some of them crucial to the professional presentation, while others may not be necessary. USU Extension instructional designers use and support Canvas Catalog features. Depending on the intended audience and desired features, courses may be hosted on other e-learning platforms.

Faculty may build their own course and the associated features. All USU faculty and staff have access to Canvas through canvas.usu.edu. Help with common Canvas features is available here http://cidi.usu.edu/tools/canvas/. Watch this tutorial https://usu.box.com/s/uqv6unteiqv92n5jmismbp5lrtl06kds on how to quickly create a beautiful canvas course.

 
Cost & Features* 
 

Step 3: Decide How Much to Invest

Your funding sources may be from an existing grant, or future registration revenue. Compare your anticipated revenue potential with other existing courses in your niche/industry. Decide how much specialized marketing you would like to fund.

 
Cost & Features* 

*Consider the tools at Udemy. To access Udemy tools, you must first create a free Udemy teacher account at https://www.udemy.com/teaching/ and click on "Become an Instructor." Next, click on Marketplace Insights.

 

Step 4: Complete a Development Plan

This form helps determine the scope and needs of the project so that a realistic timeline can be developed for publishing a Level 2 course. Bring this plan to step 5.

 

Course Development Plan

You may use other software to record your Level 1 course. Some online learning websites will walk you through a similar process. For example, explore Udemy's resources on recording video.

 

Step 5: Meet with Marketing to Discuss Steps 2-4

Now that you have thought through the plan components, it's time to get everyone on the same page. Meet with Marketing to flesh out the development, advertising, funding details and a timeline. This discussion can also include whether to contract out some of the work.

 

Contact Marketing
 

Step 6: Formalize Development Plan

When your course is live/published, share it with your clientele via email, social media, related Extension websites, etc.  Engage your target audience, request their feedback on the content, respond to their comments, etc. 

Regardless of where it is hosted:

  • If revenue is collected, there must be a revenue agreement with Extension administration
  • The course must be published/owned under an Extension parent account, contact mike.whitesides@usu.edu for details.

 

Preview Course Agreement