Course (Re)Design Institute
The Course (Re)Design Institute is a three-day intensive program designed to support educators and instructors through the course design process. Whether you are building a new course or revisiting an existing one, the institute provides practical strategies, dedicated work time, and opportunities for collaboration and feedback.
Participants will explore evidence-informed approaches to course planning, assessment design, active learning, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and inclusive teaching practices while applying these ideas directly to their own courses.
The Course (Re)Design Institute is offered annually in June!
Need additional support? Our team is available for one-on-one consultations throughout the year. Connect with us at instructionasupport@ontariotechu.ca
Who is the program for?
The Course (Re)Design Institute is open to educators and instructors involved in course design or redesign, including tenure-track, teaching stream, and sessional faculty, as well as those teaching for the first time.
When is the program offered?
The institute is offered annually in June and consists of three full-day online sessions. Specific dates and registration information for the next offering will be announced each year.
Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to support continuity and progress throughout the institute.
What will participants do during the institute?
Over three days, participants will engage in interactive sessions, discussions, hands-on activities, feedback opportunities, and dedicated work time focused on course planning, assessment design, active learning, inclusive teaching practices, and course alignment.
Do you offer support after the institute?
Yes. The Instructional Support team offers a variety of programs and events and is available for one-on-one consultations throughout the year, as you continue developing and implementing your courses.
Please contact instructionalsupport@ontariotechu.ca to connect with our team.
Program Outcomes
By the end of the institute, participants will be able to:
- Apply backward design principles to develop aligned learning outcomes, assessments, and instructional strategies for a course.
- Integrate evidence-informed teaching and design practices that support learner engagement, inclusion, and success.
- Design or redesign a course that promotes meaningful, accessible, and learner-centred learning experiences.
Day 1: Monday, June 22
- Morning: Backward design, learner-centred and inclusive teaching, and learning outcomes.
- Afternoon: Guided work time, feedback, and consultations.
- Milestone: Draft or revise course learning outcomes.
Day 2: Wednesday, June 24
- Morning: Assessment foundations, feedback and evaluation, and integrating technology.
- Afternoon: Transparent course design, assessment development, and dedicated work time.
- Milestone: Draft the purpose and task of major assessment or activities.
Day 3: Friday, June 26
- Morning: Learner engagement, active learning strategies, and course mapping.
- Afternoon: Course mapping work time, consultations, and collaborative sharing.
- Milestone: Draft a tentative course schedule.
Do I need to have a course already developed?
No. While participants are welcome to bring an existing course they would like to revise or redesign, you may also attend with early ideas for a new course.
Is there a cost to enroll in this program?
No. Participation in the institute is free for Ontario Tech instructors and community members.
Do I need to attend all three days?
Attendance at all three sessions is not required for registration, but it is highly encouraged to support continuity, collaboration, and meaningful progress throughout the institute.
Is the institute suitable for first-time instructors?
Yes. The institute is open to educators and instructors at all stages of experience, including those teaching for the first time.
What should I bring to the institute?
Participants are encouraged to bring a course syllabus, course materials, or early ideas for a course they would like to design or redesign.