University Online Module Structure Design: Consistency or Individuality?

This article considers the challenge of uniform high quality online module structure design in Learning Management Systems (LMSs) and its impact on expressing individual teaching style. It presents a three-element model that brings consistent structure design to any online module, and which also affords individualisation depending on the lecturer’s needs and preferences. The work is based on the analysis of actual online module structure design in SETU, modern learner needs, and personal work experience. The analysis highlighted the importance of unified online module structure approach that is not just a question of structure, but also depends on the teaching and learning process and the ability to support Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Gamification approaches, Inclusive teaching, Active online learning, Co-creative and Collaborative work between staff and students. The three-element approach is LMS- and course design-agnostic, learner-centred, and can be embedded and modified due to individual preferences of every lecturer.