Course design and development fund

Designing effective online courses takes time, effort, and support. The Course Design and Development Fund helps faculty move teaching forward by supporting projects that enhance course quality and align with USask’s Teaching Strategies.

Funds may be used to hire a Subject Matter Expert (SME)* or to provide teaching release for faculty to focus on developing impactful learning materials in collaboration with an instructional designer (ID).

Projects must be completed within 6 months of the start date and funding amount will be based on scope of the project. There is a maximum amount of $9,000 per project. 

* An SME (Subject Matter Expert) is the person who provides the specialized content knowledge and expertise needed for the course or resource being developed. They ensure the accuracy, depth, and relevance of the material.

 

What can be supported through this fund?

This fund can be used to support projects and courses that:

  • are for credit (min. 3 credit units);
  • impact many students over time and/or multiple programs;
  • are sustainable (3-5 years without major revision);
  • will advance one or more of USask’s Teaching Strategies; and
  • are offered as online, blended, or hybrid classes.

The fund cannot be used to support: 

  • non-credit bearing programs or courses,
  • research projects,
  • accreditation processes,
  • program evaluation without direct ties to program-level, assessment, instruction change initiatives,
  • delivery/teaching of courses.

  • Project scope is focused on intentional enhancement of course quality.
  • Clear alignment to advance one or more USask Teaching Strategies.
  • Strong commitment to the course by the Department/College.
  • The commitment of a lead person or team of people to see the project through to implementation.
  • A commitment to work closely with an instructional designer.
  • An action plan including timelines, deliverables, and other resources as needed.
  • An overview of the intended use of funding. Note if approved, funding will be released in 3 stages of the project.

1. Contact the GMCTL's Flexible Learning and Technology team (FLT) to discuss if the project fits within the mandate of the Course Design and Development fund. Applicants will be assigned an instructional designer (ID) to support the application process and the project.

2. Work directly with your ID to craft an application that includes an action plan and budget.

3. Seek written support from your Department Head, Dean, and/or Associate Dean Academic and include it with your application.

4. Submit application when complete to FLT@usask.ca. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year, and must involve the specific support of the GMCTL.

  • Applicants and their GMCTL collaborator may be contacted for a meeting to review the application. The purpose of the meeting will be to clarify any questions stemming from the application and to offer ideas for the project itself and allow the Director to make recommendations.
  • Successful applicants will be notified by email. Fund transfer details and reporting requirements will be included in that notification.

Get Support

For support or a consultation on this topic, reach out to the Flexible Learning and Technology team at the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning.