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Quality Courses Begin with a Course Map

In essence, a course map* serves as a blueprint for a well-designed and effective course, ensuring that all elements work together to promote student learning and success. This is particularly important for online and hybrid courses at Clarkson because if you choose to put your course up for an official QM review, you will need to submit course alignment documentation.

QM definition:

Alignment Map - (Also known as Course Map) A table or diagram used to organize the course- and module-level objectives or competencies so they correspond to the assessments, activities, materials, and technologies used in the course. Many course designers find mapping the objectives or competencies to the other alignment Standards useful in ensuring alignment.  Similarly, course reviewers may use an alignment map to ensure alignment in a course that is under review.

A course map is a valuable tool for course development because it . It also provides a visual representation of the course, enhancing transparency for both students and instructors.

Here's a more detailed look at the benefits of using a course map:

1. Alignment and Cohesion: 
  • Course maps ensure that all elements of the course, from learning objectives to activities and assessments, are aligned and work together to achieve the desired learning outcomes.
  • This alignment helps create a cohesive and meaningful learning experience for students.
2. Clarity and Transparency:
  • A course map provides a visual roadmap for the course, making it easier for students to understand the structure and progression of the course. 
  • It also helps instructors identify potential gaps or areas where the course might need adjustments. 
3. Enhanced Course Design: 
  • Course maps facilitate the development of effective learning activities and assessments that directly address the course objectives.
  • They can also help instructors identify opportunities for formative and summative assessment.
4. Improved Student Engagement: 
  • By providing a clear path for learning, course maps can enhance student engagement and motivation.
  • Students can better understand how their learning activities and assessments contribute to their overall course goals.
5. Time Management and Planning:
  • Course maps can help instructors manage their time effectively by providing a clear schedule and outline for the course. 
  • They can also assist in planning and organizing course materials and resources. 
6. Demonstrating Alignment with Standards:
  • Course maps can demonstrate alignment with quality standards or accreditation competencies, providing evidence of student achievement. 
*Choose a Course Map that works for you and start aligning the objectives, learning materials, activities and assessments in your course:

Are Your Course Objectives Measurable? Use this article to check.

Created in collaboration with Google Gemini


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