Module Design Guidelines
Module Design Guidelines
development
guidelines
Online Education Department, UCEM: April 2019
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Content
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Designing Transform modules: overarching principles ..................................................................... 3
UCEM: Student experience ............................................................................................................ 3
UCEM: Module Design Framework................................................................................................ 4
The guidelines ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1. Module design ............................................................................................................................... 6
2. Structure ........................................................................................................................................ 7
3. Narrative ........................................................................................................................................ 9
4. Introduction and Week 1 ............................................................................................................. 11
5. Learner support ........................................................................................................................... 12
6. Universal Design for Learning ...................................................................................................... 13
References ................................................................................................................................... 14
7. Student interaction and community (social learning) ................................................................. 15
8. Group work .................................................................................................................................. 17
9. Reflection ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Reference..................................................................................................................................... 18
10. Peer review ................................................................................................................................ 19
11. End of module............................................................................................................................ 20
12. Module evaluation..................................................................................................................... 21
13. Media ......................................................................................................................................... 22
14. Accessibility ............................................................................................................................... 23
15. Assessment ................................................................................................................................ 24
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Introduction
UCEM modules are nine-week long, self-contained blocks of learning, teaching and assessment
delivered in a fully online environment. Each module has a clear educational purpose to develop
particular knowledge, skills and behaviours to support our students’ success in the built
environment. Modules are grouped and delivered one-at-a-time to create a pathway for our
students to meet their programme outcomes and competencies, and ultimately lead to an
educational award and professional accreditation.
Within each module students undertake planned and ordered authentic learning tasks with steps
(activities), some of which are assessed either formatively, or as a contribution towards one of two
module summative assessments.
These guidelines specifically support UCEM’s learning designers, content producers, and tutors in
the design of modules and implementation of that design on the VLE. Teaching and facilitation
guidelines will be developed individually for each module, with overarching practice guidelines
developed prior to 2020 by UCEM.
Following a summary of the UCEM student experience and educational framework, each guide is
presented in turn, containing critical information and recommendations to create effective,
consistent, engaging online learning experiences.
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UCEM: Module Design Framework
To give our students the greatest chance of success, learning design at UCEM starts with learning
outcomes and assessment design, with appropriate pedagogical approaches employed to provide
authentic tasks and activities that clearly support student assessment.
1. Learning design model: Student outcome-led design (SOLD). A learning design model to
structure our modules and provide consistency and a clear student journey. We begin our
module design with the end in mind, using a backward design approach. We start with
desired learning outcomes, clearly stated in measurable terms, and work backwards through
assessment activities, teaching and learning activities and content delivery.
2. Pedagogical approach: Participatory. This approach builds knowledge, skills and
competencies valued in industry through active engagement with learning content,
engagement among learners and engagement with industry networks.
3. Educator roles: Online presence. There is tutoring and facilitating presence online from the
beginning of the module, including teaching, social and cognitive presence, to create a
holistic supported learning environment.
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The guidelines
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1. Module design
1. Learning outcomes
a. The learning outcomes for the module are clear and align to the programme learning aims,
and required professional competencies.
b. Each topic, and learning task relates clearly to one or more learning outcome(s).
c. Instructions for each learning task within topicsclearly describe why students will benefit
from undertaking the task(s) and how it relates to one or more learning outcomes. Each
task is authentic.
2. Module requirements
a. Make the level of prior knowledge and skills required of students very clear.
b. Relate the module to previous and future modules in the programme to show how
knowledge is built on and contributes to future understanding, skills and behaviours.
c. Where appropriate, include a diagnostic test to enable students to assess whether they
have the appropriate level of skill/knowledge required to start the module, and if not
advise them how to develop this.
3. Linear narrative
a. There is a logical sequence through topics, weeks and tasks.
b. There is a clear journey towards the overall learning outcomes of the module.
c. Tasks either take the form of a Moodle task page with steps or a Moodle lesson with steps.
d. Steps in lessons and tasks are grouped together logically.
e. The tutor voice is present throughout the narrative and is supportive in all aspects of the
students’ learning journey.
f. Extension activities are provided where students have opportunities to benefit from
further knowledge or skills development beyond that required by the module assessments,
and or to gain higher marks.
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2. Structure
1. Module structure
a. Each module runs over nine weeks, consisting of eight weeks of content and learning tasks
and one week of summative assessment work.
b. Each module has a banner at the top of the module page.
c. Each module implements a consistent support area, which is reflected across all modules
at that level of study, including Study Skills and the e-Library.
d. Each module provides a module introduction video, orientation, contact information and
short bios of the module team (see Guideline 4: Introduction and Week 1).
e. Each module provides students with a module map to visualise the structure and topics of
the module over nine weeks.
f. Each module is structured to allow learning outcomes to be met before the assessment is
scheduled.
g. Each module is divided into appropriate topics, and in some cases subtopics. A topic can
run over more than one week, depending on the module’s learning design.
h. Students are provided with an indication of time for the length of topic/subtopic in weeks
to support them to plan their time.
2. Topic/subtopic structure
a. Each topic/subtopic has the following:
• Introduction (see Guideline 3: Narrative), linking tasks to learning outcomes.
• Common instructional materials and resources if the topic spans over a number of
weeks.
• One or two learning tasks per week, depending on the learning design
• An opportunity for reflection.
• Summary.
• Extension tasks (where appropriate).
3. Task structure
a. Each task has an overview made up of contextual text and steps:
• Contextual text is a paragraph or two giving the context/rationale for the task (see
Guideline 3: Narrative) covering a description of the task, task outcomes, how the
task links to module outcomes and the assessment and whether there are any links
to previous or upcoming tasks.
• Steps are focused activities and resources that enable the student to complete the
task. Steps help to develop particular knowledge, skills or behaviours to meet the
stated learning outcomes.
b. There is an indication of the time needed to undertake the task and steps
c. Each task is made up of a mixture of steps (activities) from the focus areas listed below:
• Acquisition – active acquiring knowledge/information through guided engagement
with the resource or the active inquiry of researching to answer a question
• Production – doing something with that knowledge/information
• Formative assessment – practising a skill learnt or checking understanding
• Exchange – sharing, collaborating or discussing with others about the new
knowledge learnt
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• Reflection – reflecting on what has been learnt and linking to previous knowledge
and experience
e. Each task is made up of a mixture of resource types (e.g. read, listen, inquire, produce,
practise, check, discuss, share, reflect, etc.). Tasks do not have to comprise every focus
area, but there must be a balance (i.e. all steps should not be acquisition activities). It is
recommended that each task provides an exchange and refection/assessment activity.
f. Each task tries not to have more than five steps, unless there is a clear learning design
need for more steps.
g. The focus of each step is clearly indicated on the task overview using colour-coded icons,
banners and text. (See Guide 3: Narrative, for more details.)
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3. Narrative
When narrative is layered into a module’s structure, learning becomes embedded in a more natural
context. A well-written and logical narrative can help students to engage with the module and its
content both affectively as well as cognitively. This type of engagement helps students to build their
own knowledge by making connections between information and their own experiences. A strong
narrative also increases the impact of your module and its learning potential.
1. Topics and subtopics are grouped and sequenced in a way that facilitates the construction of a
meaningful ‘story’ of what students should learn and why.
2. By reading all top-level items’ titles (topic titles, task titles, etc.) the student should be able to
understand/follow the ‘story’ of the module.
3. The purpose of every task (and its associated learning resources/steps) is clearly articulated,
covering how the task relates to the module learning outcomes and assessment, how students
will benefit from the task and what students will be able to do as a result of undertaking the
task.
4. Where tasks relate to professional competences required by awarding bodies, this is explained
to students (an icon can also be used to help illustrate this).
5. Tasks are scaffolded into steps of learning activities and resources. It is made clear to students
how they are expected to demonstrate their understanding, knowledge or skills against the
stated learning outcomes.
6. Task steps should grow incrementally to a final activity that requires students to synthesise and
apply their work from previous steps.
7. The tone of the narrative is approachable and friendly. Students are addressed directly (i.e.
‘you’). The tutor can ‘talk’ to students as an individual (i.e. use ‘I’) or be as part of the learning
community (i.e. ‘we’).
8. Technical terms are explained or linked to a glossary, as are abbreviations, which are not used
without spelling them out in the first instance.
9. Written narrative follows the UCEM style guide.
10. Resources and materials are appropriately cited and referenced.
11. Tasks and steps use appropriate instructional words to make it clear to students what the focus
of the activity is. Refer to the table below for the focus areas for steps within tasks.
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Table: Step focus areas and appropriate instructions to use
Step focus area Step aim Verbs to use
Active acquisition of Read, watch, listen
knowledge/information
(students given sources
Acquisition of information)
Active inquiry (students Investigate, identify, research
finding sources of
information)
Doing or creating Produce, create, develop, summarise, formulate,
something with the synthesise, justify, present, evaluate, assess,
Production information learned demonstrate, illustrate, draw, sketch, etc.
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4. Introduction and Week 1
1. Detailed tutor team (tutors and facilitators) information is available to students. This includes
multiple formats for being contacted, availability information, brief biographical information,
and picture and/or video of the module team.
2. A video introduction to the module is provided by the module leader.
3. A detailed module orientation provides clear and detailed instructions for students to begin
accessing all module components such as learning resources and tasks, module calendar, and
assessments.
4. Students engage in a light introductory activity (e.g. to share their own learning goals or related
to the module).
5. The module introduction should provide an overview for the whole module and introduce the
module’s big questions and learning outcomes.
6. Week 1 should include an online seminar or other form of exchange to provide introductions.
This also gives students opportunities to ask questions.
7. Consider including fewer tasks and learning resources in the first week to ease students into the
module.
8. Include a congratulatory message to students at the end of Week 1 celebrating progress. (This
could be repeated at various points in the module.)
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5. Learner support
1. General
a. A clear statement is provided of what students can expect from the tutor/facilitator in
terms of support, open office hours, interaction and response times.
b. Other methods of learning support are flagged to students relating to module orientation
and the Study Skills area of the VLE.
c. At appropriate times, students are guided to specific areas where they can get further
support, for example, with their drawing skills development, maths skills or literacy skills.
d. Modules follow Universal Design for Learning guidelines (see Guideline 6: Universal Design
for Learning) to support variability in learning, including disability, language, gender, race
and culture.
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6. Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) enables the design of flexible learning environments that adapt
to the variability of learners. UDL is research based and has been developed by CAST (the Center for
Applied Special Technology [accessed 09/04/19]).UDL comprises three principles with associated
guidelines that can be adapted to different teaching scenarios. The guidelines below are a subset of
the UDL framework and they are of particular relevance to UCEM. It is good practice to follow these
guidelines to provide flexibility in how information is provided to students and to allow students to
demonstrate their learning in various ways. The US Higher Education Opportunity Act 2008 states
that UDL is an approach that ‘reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations,
supports, and challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including
students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient’ (CAST 2016).
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• culturally relevant and responsive.
• socially relevant.
• age and ability appropriate.
• appropriate for different racial, cultural, ethnic and gender groups.
d. Design tasks so that learning outcomes are authentic, communicate to real audiences, and
reflect a purpose that is clear to the participants.
e. Provide tasks that allow for active participation, exploration and experimentation.
f. Invite personal response, evaluation and self-reflection to content and activities.
g. Include activities that foster the use of imagination to solve novel and relevant problems,
and or make sense of complex ideas in creative ways.
References
CAST (2016) ‘UDL in the ESSA’. Available at: www.cast.org/whats-new/news/2016/udl-in-the-
essa.html#.XKxfX1VKiUl [accessed 9 April 2019].
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7. Student interaction and community (social learning)
1. General
a. At the beginning of the module, the tutor provides an opportunity for students to
introduce themselves to develop the sense of a learning community.
b. The module implements the UCEM Code of Conduct and reminds students that they have
information available to them about how to be a successful online learner/student.
c. Learning tasks facilitate and support active learning and encourages frequent and ongoing
peer-to-peer engagement.
d. Modes and requirements for student interaction are clearly communicated.
e. The tutor clearly explains their role regarding participation in the online environment. The
module team participates and manages, yet lets students take reasonable ownership.
f. Every task has at minimum one social learning activity (e.g. discussion, sharing, peer
feedback, group work, wider social networks).
3. Discussion activities
a. Discussion activities provide open-ended questions designed to elicit a range of answers.
b. The question requires students to demonstrate understanding of the immediate previous
learning material, preferably also drawing on their prior experience.
c. The questions encourage students to read and engage with other comments.
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f. Provide or link to information for technical support and documentation for students.
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8. Group work
Being able to work successfully with others towards a common goal is a valuable skill throughout a
student’s working life. Collaboration and co-operation allow students to learn from, and benefit
from, their peers by pooling expertise. UCEM aims to foster group work and collaboration in most
modules.
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9. Reflection
The Quality Assurance Agency for England states that one of the foundations of effective learning is
when students are enabled to ‘demonstrate understanding of, and an ability to reflect upon, the
ways in which their skills and knowledge are developing ‘and ‘recognise and value their existing
knowledge and skills, and build upon them’ (QAA 2018: 9). Reflection is an essential part of a
student’s learning journey. The better they become at reflecting, the more they will be able to guide
their own learning and development as a lifelong skill.
Reference
QAA (2018) UK Quality Code for Higher Education: Part B Assuring and Enhancing Academic Quality –
Chapter B3: Learning and Teaching [online], Gloucester: QAA. Available at:
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/UK-Quality-Code-for-Higher-Education-2013-18# [accessed 10
April 2019].
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10. Peer review
1. General
a. A peer review activity must be clear and manageable in the space provided. Only use this
activity type if it fits with the aims of the module.
b. There are two methods of peer review: formal and informal.
2. Formal: using a formal peer review tool (Moodle workshop activity with formal rubric)
a. A clear rubric is provided for each stage of the peer review activity.
b. The activity has three stages: the student uploads their work; they review another
student’s work; and they see a review of their own uploaded work.
c. No more than one formal peer review activity per module is allowed as it usually spans
over a three-week period (task submission, peer review and review feedback).
d. The peer review activity should relate to the assessment to encourage students’
participation, e.g. make it part of the e-portfolio activity. The tutor reviews/amends
reviewing students’ feedback before it is released to the student.
3. Informal: using a less formal approach such as Padlet or forum, where students are given set
instructions on how to critique other students’ work.
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11. End of module
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12. Module evaluation
1. General
a. Module evaluation is a comprehensive and systematic means of gathering student
feedback on each module, enabling review and improvement.
b. Module evaluation should be used to enhance the quality of the teaching, learning and
assessment experience.
c. Each module is evaluated every time it is delivered.
d. The purpose of module evaluation should be communicated to students, potentially in
induction packs, and students should be informed of their responsibility to provide
constructive feedback.
e. Both end-of-module evaluation and short in-module evaluations are implemented.
2. End-of-module evaluation
a. Adapt the standard UCEM module evaluation form to suit your module.
b. Consider aligning questions with the National Student Survey (but not for NSS eligible
students in their last year of study). This could help identify areas to address before
students reach their final year.
3. In-module evaluation
a. Include short, specific evaluation questions at the end of each topic to foster a sense of
ongoing dialogue with students about their experiences of the module.
b. Capture evaluation of summative assessments separately, for example, immediately after
students complete these assessments.
c. Embed digital evaluation tools such as polling apps to collect and summarise electronic
responses in synchronous teaching (e.g. in seminars). This is especially beneficial to capture
student understanding of key concepts and adapt teaching to address areas of difficulty.
d. The types of questions employed should encourage students to reflect on their own
learning.
e. The module provides a space where evaluation outcomes can be shared with students.
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13. Media
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14. Accessibility
Always Avoid
Always use a combination of colour, shapes and Avoid using colour as the only way to convey
text to convey meaning to help colour blind meaning.
learners.
Always use left-aligned text, 1.5 line spacing Avoid centre and right alignment of
and a suitable font size - usually 12pt for text or full justification.
documents, web, and print to help learners
with dyslexia.
Always break up information with meaningful Avoid complex or cluttered layouts,
headings, sub-headings and one-level bullet multi-layered menus or lists.
lists.
Always write headings in sentence case and use Avoid the use of text size, all capital letters and
heading styles rather than using large bold text layout as the only way to convey structure.
for titles to help learners with screenreaders.
Always add meaningful alternative (alt) text to Avoid the use of rich media content without
all images (for screenreader users) and providing a text alternative.
transcripts for videos (for learners with hearing
impairments).
Always use sufficient colour contrast from the Avoid low colour contrasts, small font sizes and
background to help learners with visual cursive or script fonts.
impairments.
Always make important information Avoid underlined words, italics and all capital
clear and easy to find. letters for emphasis, headings or body text
Always write descriptive and meaningful Avoid using uninformative links and never use
hyperlinks and use a URL shortener if required. ‘click here’.
This helps learners using screenreaders.
Always ensure all content can be navigated Avoid forcing control by use of a mouse or
with a keyboard to help learners with motor touch screen alone.
disabilities.
Always allow user control and navigation of all Avoid the automatic start of any audio or video
video and audio content. content.
Always use available tools to check accessibility Avoid considering accessibility as a good to
of your content e.g. use Microsoft Word’s have add-on. Accessibility laws have changed,
Check Accessibility and ignorance is no excuse.
Created by Tharindu Liyanagunawardena. Microsoft Word is a registered trademark of Microsoft.
This poster is based on the work of Lee Fallin and Sue Watling (CC-BY-NC-SA): http://bit.ly/2EsDn1g
and Accessibility Poster Series from the Home Office Digital (CC-BY-NC-SA): http://bit.ly/2BWW3WE
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15. Assessment
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