Suggested Timeline "Deadlines"

Eight months to one year
Course is selected for delivery via distance education. A meeting of the instructor, instructional designer, and educational technologist is called to discuss promotion and development of course along with the most appropriate medium/media for delivery.

Eight months
The instructor develops the written outline of course, including course objectives, lesson objectives, and learning activities. The instructor and teaching assistant (TA) begin preparation or adaptation of course materials in conjunction with the instructional designer and educational technologist.

Six months
Site facilitators are contacted, if the instructor needs special off-site services, such as teaching a lab or conducting exercises with students off-campus.

Five months
The progress of presentation media and course material preparation is checked in a meeting with the instructor, TA, instructional designer, and educational technologist. The instructional designer consults with the instructor on particular marketing considerations for the course.

Four months
The instructor meets with site facilitators, discusses roles and expectations, and receives input.

Three months
Web page design and content is discussed by the instructor, instructional designer, and graphic designer/computer support person. Responsibilities are assigned and work begun.

Two months
Media promotion (marketing) and pre-registration begin. Site facilitators are involved in these activities at their sites.

One month
Presentation media, Web page, course materials, and syllabus are completed. The instructor meets the distance education production staff and becomes familiar with facilities, equipment, and techniques to be used.

Three weeks
A run-through is done on the delivery system selected for the course. All equipment to be used are tested.

Two weeks
The first wave of course materials is sent to sites. Site facilitators are contacted again to resolve any questions or concerns. Educational technologist meets with the production staff involved in actual delivery of course (computer specialists for Internet course, video director for satellite or videoconference course).

One week
Last-minute details are attended to. Problems or delays are addressed. Everyone on the production team is prepared for the beginning of the course.