"Modularize" The Course
 A good idea to manage your distance education course is to set it up in modules or Topics, with each module as a separate content area. Your course may have from five to 10 modules. And for each module, you may choose to have a quiz. The modules may be organized vertically, so that additional modules will be more advanced, and you will see a progression in modules (for example, beginning microbiology, intermediate microbiology, advanced microbiology). The modules also could be set up horizontally. For example, someone learning basic skills in one area may also need to learn some basic skills in another area. So instead of moving to an "advanced" level, the person will approach learning in a more "what's next?" sequence.

Setting up the course in a modular way also helps you prioritize and organize the content more easily. Whatever does not fit in the overall concept of a particular module should not be included in that module. The content that doesn't fit could be included in a different module or excluded completely. Modules help you focus. And remember, the more planning, the better.

Timeline for Distance Education Course Development
The following is a suggested timeline for the development of a distance education academic course. By beginning the process a year in advance, the increased work load demanded by distance education can be distributed over a period of time to reduce the burden on all concerned, particularly the instructor. The timeline below is primarily for a videoconference class, but it can be adapted for those teaching Web courses. The operative idea is to plan way in advance.

One year in advance
Instructors submit distance education course proposals. View the course proposal form.

Eight months to one year
Course is selected for delivery via distance education. A meeting of the instructor, instructional designer,  and technology specialists is called to discuss promotion and development of course along with the most appropriate media for delivery.

Eight months
Instructor develops written outline of course, including course objectives, lesson objectives and learning activities; instructor and teaching assistant (TA) begin preparation or adaptation of course materials in conjunction with instructional designer and/or technology specialist.

Six months
Site facilitators are contacted, if instructor needs services other than those provided by facilitators already in place (e.g. teaching a lab or conducting on-site exercises.)

Five months
Progress of presentation media and course material preparation is checked in a meeting with instructor, TA, instructional designer, technology specialist and Associate Dean. ICS consults with instructors on particular marketing considerations for each course.

Four months
Instructors for all courses of upcoming semester meet with site facilitators, discuss roles and expectations, receive input. Instructional designer and the Dean will participate. This meeting may be by videoconference.

Three months
Web page design and content is discussed by instructor, instructional designer and graphic designer/computer support person. Responsibilities are assigned and work begun.

Two months
Media promotion and pre-registration begins. Site facilitators are involved in these activities at their sites. One month Presentation media, Web page, course materials and syllabus are completed. Instructor meets production staff, becomes familiar with facilities, equipment and techniques to be used.

Three weeks
A run-through is done on the delivery system selected for the course. All equipment, networks, etc. to be employed are tested.

Two weeks
First wave of course materials sent to sites. Site facilitators are contacted again to resolve any questions or concerns. Producer/technology specialist meets with production staff involved in actual delivery of course (e.g. computer specialists for Internet course, director for satellite or videoconference course, etc.

One week
Last minute details attended to, problems or delays addressed, everyone on production team prepared for beginning of course.