by MU Instructional Designers
January 26, 2023
5-7 min read
The Integrated Course Design model discussed in the video below is another approach to course design. While the ADDIE model outlines specific separate steps this model considers the impact design components have on each other.
This concept has three phases that allow you to build a foundation for your course that closely aligns the objectives, assessments and learning activities, ensuring the inter-relatedness of each component. Consider the outline below for this process.
Initial Design Phase
- Consider situational factors (e.g. length of course, modality)
- Identify learning goals
- Brainstorm teaching and learning activities
Intermediate Design Phase
- Develop a thematic structure (4-7 major concepts you will cover over the course)
- Outline your instructional strategy, sequencing activities so they increase in complexity
- Combine into an overall scheme
Wrap-Up Phase
- Determine relative weight of each activity (grading system)
- Look for potential trouble spots – what could go wrong?
- Finalize the syllabus
- Plan teaching and course evaluations
This model emphasizes the integrated nature of the three elements that make up course design. Rather than a linear approach this model focuses on the impact each of the elements has on the other (Fink, 2003).
Black and Moore (2019) have expanded Fink’s initial list of prompts to factor in the principles of UDL into this instructional design model. Please review the Integrated Course Design Module Plan Worksheet, which is also an excerpt from UDL Navigators in Higher Education: A Field Guide. Would developing a course this way work for your discipline?