How to Succeed in This Course

This page tells you how the course runs week to week and what the instructor expects. Read it once now and again before your first case analysis.

The weekly rhythm

Each module follows the same pattern. Plan about six to eight hours per module.

1. Read the module pages and any linked readings. Take notes in your own words; you will reuse them in the assignments.
2. Check your understanding with the knowledge check. It is short, low-stakes, and can be retaken.
3. Discuss. Post in the module discussion by midweek and reply to peers by the end of the module. Discussions are where the field's judgment calls get argued out; treat them as seminar, not as a box to tick.
4. Produce. Complete the module assignment. Every assignment builds toward the final instructional plan, so keep your files organized in one folder.

The design project runs through the course

Choose an instructional problem in Module 1 and keep it for the whole course. Good problems are real, bounded, and involve learners you can actually talk to: a unit in your classroom, an onboarding topic at your workplace, a skill your colleagues keep asking about. Assignments 5, 6, and 7 all apply to this one problem. Choosing something too large ("a course on leadership") makes every later assignment harder. Choosing something concrete ("teaching new tutors to run a 30-minute writing conference") makes them easier and more useful.

Writing expectations

• Follow APA 7th edition for citations and references.
• Write in clear, direct prose. Headings help. Bullet lists are fine for analyses; use paragraphs for arguments.
• Cite the module readings when you use their ideas, and cite outside sources when you use those. A claim about what "research shows" needs a source.

Using generative AI in this course

You may use generative AI tools to brainstorm, outline, check clarity, and summarize readings for your own study. You may not submit AI-generated text as your analysis, reflection, or design rationale. Those are the evidence of your thinking and are the basis of your grade.

When you use AI in any assignment, add a one-line disclosure at the end: the tool, what you used it for, and what you did yourself. Undisclosed AI-generated submissions are treated as academic misconduct under university policy.

You are also welcome, and encouraged, to treat AI tools as a design topic: several assignments let you propose AI-supported instruction, and the second case is about AI literacy.

Late work and extensions

Assignments are due at 11:59 p.m. Central time on the date in the course schedule. One 48-hour extension per student is available on request, no reason needed, if requested before the deadline. Beyond that, late work loses 10% per day up to five days.

Accessibility

If you need accommodations, contact the Office of Disability Services and let the instructor know as early as possible. Course pages are built to WCAG 2.2 AA; if you encounter something that does not work with your assistive technology, report it and it will be fixed.

Getting help

• Course logistics: post in the "Questions" thread of the Introduction Discussion.
• Content questions: the module discussion.
• Private matters: email the instructor.
• Technical problems with the LMS: your institution's help desk.