Showcase

Georgetown has supported a diverse range of courses through all stages, from conception to launch, followed by evaluation and iteration. CNDLS mobilizes a number of different platforms, including Canvas and edX to deliver the best possible learning experience based on the needs and audience of each course. More specifically, we create engaging course materials of many kinds.

What can CNDLS create with you?

The details of online courses and programs at Georgetown can vary widely — based on the specific needs of student populations, course content, and the instructor’s style. However, they all incorporate rich media, active learning, opportunities to connect with peers, and a guiding instructor presence. The examples below are just a few ways we accomplish these goals.

Engaging video lectures

Successful educational videos are not simply recorded versions of in-person lectures. CNDLS supports faculty in transforming their lecture content to align with current research on how learners process educational media. We provide script writing training, professional film shoots, and customized graphic development. On top of that, many video lectures incorporate interactive elements like discussion boards and quizzes.

Discussion boards

Discussion boards can be used to facilitate asynchronous discussion on a range of topics. Many faculty use discussion boards to gage student understanding and engagement in a low-stakes way. Others ask students to bring outside content to discussion boards — such as links to news articles or examples from their professional lives that connect to course content. Discussion boards are also sometimes used for peer review.

Structure: Learning objectives, course activities, and framing questions

Students benefit from the explicit naming of module- and course-level learning objectives. These, paired with course activity lists, provide students a roadmap of what to expect in each module. Additionally, framing questions offer guidance about what to reflect on as they read or watch video lectures.

Expert interviews

Engagement with outside experts — whether through guest lecture podcasts, Zoom interviews, or even social media — can elevate diverse voices, lend authenticity to the course, and add the value of multiple perspectives.

Interactive student presentations

In online courses — as in face-to-face experiences — it is important to give students the opportunity to speak and to hear from one another. Through collaborative multimedia tools like VoiceThread and Panopto, CNDLS supports faculty in setting up asynchronous presentations. Both students and faculty can comment on others’ submissions, providing feedback and asking questions. Many faculty also use VoiceThread for low-stakes engagement, such as introductions at the beginning of the course.

Custom applications

Occasionally, CNDLS supports faculty and programs in developing customized applications for pedagogical use. For example, a web-based app used in the Ethical Decision-Making for Global Managers MOOC certificate program helps students engage in a multi-step process of case study analysis. This process, facilitated through the app, strengthens reflection and decision-making skills.

Immersive and empathy-building activities

Many faculty members are committed to providing learning experiences that build empathy through simulations and other immersive strategies. For example, a course on social work included a character’s simulated home environment to illustrate the details of a case study. CNDLS can support the development of simulations like this, which include interactive audio, video, and quizzes embedded in a 360° environments.

Student feedback

CNDLS supports faculty and program leadership in developing and analyzing mid-semester and post-course student surveys. These lead to key insights about student learning, preferences, and overall experiences.