News
Design for the Destination
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Start your course design with the end in mind. Grounded in backward design, this approach helps you clarify learning goals first so every element of your course supports where students need to go. Clear outcomes lead to more intentional planning and a stronger learning experience.
AI-Powered ICON Assistant
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Receive personalized guidance from our secure AI assistant trained on the DOE ICON help guides.
Use Backward Design to Pace Your Course Prep
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Backward design is widely used to improve course quality and serves as a useful framework for structuring the preparation work itself. Starting with learning objectives sets a clear sequence and avoids a common pitfall - jumping into building the course before the most important decisions are made. Planning ahead in this way provides you the time to focus on targeted course refinements to improve student learning.
Authentic Assessment: Simulations and Role-Playing for Learning and Connection
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Authentic assessment can provide effective methods for students to rehearse the human side of professional practice. Explore how simulated scenarios and role playing, supported through AI, foster deeper learning, reflection, and skill-building across disciplines.
Real-World Authentic Assessments & AI: Scaling Up
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Give every student a unique scenario to explore! Discover how AI can help you design richer, more authentic content that stays aligned to your learning goals.
Building AI Fluency: 7 Practical Tasks for Faculty
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Curious how AI tools might find their way into student work or classroom conversations? Many students say they want clearer, more specific guidance from their instructors on when and how to use AI. If we’re not confident in our own skills, though, it can be difficult to give that guidance.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your approach, explore these low-stakes activities to reflect on and grow in your own use of AI.
Empower Students to Take Ownership of Their Learning with AI
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Many students are already integrating AI into their learning process. How can we respond to this shift and support all students to thoughtfully engage with this new tool?
Online Course Review Process and Timeline
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Find practical guides and real-world examples to help you identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.
DOE Resources for Online Course Design
Monday, June 9, 2025
Practical guides and real-world examples help you identify opportunities to improve your online course or begin designing a new one.
Small AI Strategies for Your Online Course
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Discussions about generative AI in higher education often focus on big, disruptive changes like automating grading, replacing traditional assessments, or raising concerns about academic integrity. But the use of AI in teaching doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Many instructors are already finding small, practical ways to integrate AI into their teaching that enhance learning without overhauling their courses.
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