A group of faculty & instructors has just wrapped up a project with The Studio to test some new learner analytics features in Brightspace and evaluate how course structure impacts student learning. Based on the insights these users shared, The Studio has revised its syllabus and course templates and added resources to help faculty incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles into their Brightspace courses. These features are now available in The Studio’s Shared Resources course, available through self-enrollment (Discover) or by request.

Digital Course Syllabus

Brightspace offers features to develop engaging and interactive content within your course. Content (HTML) templates provide a range of different layout options with the ability to incorporate images, video or interactive elements such as tabs and accordion folds. These features make it easier for students to navigate the course and also minimize cognitive overload. 

The Studio has also updated the HTML templates to align with SMU brand standards. The updated Digital Course Syllabus showcases these templates and models for faculty an approach to convey critical course information in a accessible and easy to navigate format. The Digital Course Syllabus breaks the content into three parts, and provides a comprehensive overview of expectations and resources available to all students. Links within the digital format, take students directly to SMU and external resources where and when relevant. While the Digital Course Template should be considered as a model for faculty and instructors, this resource as able to be copied into your courses and modified as needed. 

Course Template

Research has shown that a consistent course structure helps reduce cognitive overload, supports navigation and reduces confusion among students. The Studio recommends structuring your course content that considers the learner experience, most often in a thematic sequence.

Universal Design for Learning

• A Universal Design for Learning (UDL) checklist. This resource has been developed to guide faculty through the process of developing or refining their Brightspace course.

• The Instructional Design Guide. This guide was created for faculty, instructors, and course designers to help guide the course development process. This resource is grounded in Universal Design for Learning principles and evidence-based best practices.

Faculty are welcome to use this course as a guide or copy and use materials within the course itself. To access this course in Brightspace, you can self-register or contact sas@smu.ca to request access and to have materials copied into your course.