Promoting Quality Course Design using Master Course Shells

As we migrate from D2L to Canvas, the Digital Learning Innovation Team at UW Superior realized it was an opportunity to promote quality course design based on student engagement research using Master Course Shells.  Our team has developed training that supports using Quality Matters (QM) principles in course design.  Included in the training is an opportunity for departments to adopt a course template that we have developed based on UDL principles and QM. Many departments have adopted the template to develop a Master Course Shell for courses. This has proven to help with student cognitive overload by having a consistent look in each course.  It has also been beneficial for adjuncts who may receive contracts at the last minute to teach a course online. The content from a Master Course Shell is shared with adjuncts – again promoting consistency with course delivery as well as a positive student experience.