Skip to main content

higher education

Curriculum Design

COMM301: Interpersonal Communication

Designing a 16-week face-to-face course for online delivery without losing what made it work

COMM301: Interpersonal Communication project illustration

16

Week Course Redesign

5

ADDIE Phases Applied

4

Interactive Module Types

100%

Online Delivery

Experience the interactive course demo

View Course Demo
Challenge

Convert a traditional 16-week face-to-face interpersonal communication course to an online format while maintaining student engagement and learning outcomes.

  • Existing course relied heavily on in-person role-playing and group discussions
  • Faculty concerns about losing the human connection essential to communication skills
  • Need to accommodate diverse student schedules and learning preferences
  • Limited technology experience among some faculty members
Process

Applied ADDIE framework with iterative stakeholder feedback to keep learning objectives and delivery methods in sync.

Step 1

Analysis

Conducted stakeholder interviews with faculty, reviewed existing course materials, and analyzed student feedback from previous semesters to identify key pain points and opportunities.

Step 2

Design

Created detailed storyboards and interaction designs for each module, focusing on opportunities for peer interaction and self-reflection activities.

ADDIE framework application showing the five-phase design process with key deliverables for the COMM301 course redesign
ADDIE framework applied to the COMM301 course redesign, mapping deliverables to each phase
Step 3

Development

Built interactive modules with branching scenarios, video-based practice exercises, and discussion prompts integrated with Canvas LMS.

Step 4

Implementation Planning

Designed phased rollout plan with built-in feedback mechanisms for iterative improvements based on student and faculty input.

Solution

A blended learning approach combining asynchronous multimedia modules with synchronous virtual practice sessions.

Interactive Scenario Learning

Branching scenarios allow students to practice communication skills with immediate feedback in realistic workplace situations.

Peer Video Exchange

Students record and share communication practice videos, providing structured peer feedback using provided rubrics.

Reflection Journals

Guided weekly reflections help students connect course concepts to personal communication experiences.

Virtual Office Hours

Scheduled synchronous sessions for live Q&A and role-playing practice with instructor facilitation.

ADDIE process diagram showing Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation phases
Structured ADDIE methodology applied throughout course development
Lessons Learned

Faculty buy-in requires early and continuous involvement

Including faculty in design decisions from day one is structured to reduce resistance and improve adoption rates across all sections.

Asynchronous discussion needs structure to succeed

Discussion rubrics and response frameworks are designed to increase meaningful peer interaction compared to open-ended prompts.

Results

16

Week Course Redesign

5

ADDIE Phases Applied

4

Interactive Module Types

100%

Online Delivery