
Essentials of Online Course Design
A Standards-Based Guide
Routledge (Publisher)
3rd Edition
Published on 7. May 2026
Book
Hardback
328 pages
978-1-032-64431-8 (ISBN)
Description
The third edition Essentials of Online Course Design takes a fresh, thoughtfully designed, step-by-step approach to online course development. Although online learning proliferates across today's K-12, higher education, and business sectors, creating online courses can still evoke a good deal of frustration, negativity, and wariness in those responsible for their quality and functionality. This book provides readers with a set of standards based on best practices in the field of online learning and teaching. Pedagogical, organizational, and visual design principles are presented and modeled throughout the book, and users will quickly learn from the guide's hands-on approach.
The guide's key features include:
a practical approach informed by theory
clean interior design that offers straightforward guidance from page one
clear and jargon-free language
examples and screenshots from learning management systems to clarify and support the text
a checklist of online course design standards that readers can use to self-evaluate
a companion website with examples, adaptable templates, interactive learning features, and other resources: http://essentialsofonlinecoursedesign.com
This thoroughly revised third edition incorporates new content on live video instruction, updated technology terms and software applications, suggestions for how to incorporate and deal with artificial intelligence, increased coverage of digital accessibility strategies, refreshed examples and references, and more. Readers of this highly popular book will find that preparing for online teaching can be a satisfying and engaging experience.
The guide's key features include:
a practical approach informed by theory
clean interior design that offers straightforward guidance from page one
clear and jargon-free language
examples and screenshots from learning management systems to clarify and support the text
a checklist of online course design standards that readers can use to self-evaluate
a companion website with examples, adaptable templates, interactive learning features, and other resources: http://essentialsofonlinecoursedesign.com
This thoroughly revised third edition incorporates new content on live video instruction, updated technology terms and software applications, suggestions for how to incorporate and deal with artificial intelligence, increased coverage of digital accessibility strategies, refreshed examples and references, and more. Readers of this highly popular book will find that preparing for online teaching can be a satisfying and engaging experience.
More details
Series
Edition
3rd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Postgraduate, Professional Practice & Development, Professional Reference, Professional Training, and Undergraduate Advanced
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
91 s/w Abbildungen, 49 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 42 s/w Zeichnungen, 10 s/w Tabellen
10 Tables, black and white; 42 Line drawings, black and white; 49 Halftones, black and white; 91 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
708 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-64431-8 (9781032644318)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
05/2026
3rd Edition
Routledge
€48.50
Shipment within 10-20 days

E-Book
01/2026
3rd Edition
Routledge
€48.49
Available for download

E-Book
01/2026
3rd Edition
Routledge
€48.49
Available for download
Previous edition

Book
11/2015
2nd Edition
Routledge
€240.50
Shipment within 10-20 days
Persons
Marjorie Vai has been directly involved with online education and training for 30 years. Most recently she designed and developed the online graduate program in teaching English at The New School, USA.
Kristen Sosulski is Executive Director of the Learning Science and Clinical Professor of Technology, Operations Management, and Statitistics at New York University, Stern School Business, USA.
Kristen Sosulski is Executive Director of the Learning Science and Clinical Professor of Technology, Operations Management, and Statitistics at New York University, Stern School Business, USA.
Content
Introduction to this Guide Part 1: Introducing Online Learning 1. Orientation to Online Teaching and Learning 2. Elements of an Online Course: A Tour Part 2: Communicating Online 3. Access for All: Language and Writing Style 4. Access for All: Visual Design Basics Part 3: Developing and Using Engaging Course Materials 5. Engaging the Online Learner 6. Activities and Tools: Working Collaboratively and Independently 7. Finding and Using Resources that Engage 8. Assessment and Feedback Part 4: Building the Online Course 9. Building the Course Foundation: Outcomes, Syllabus, and Course Outline 10. Structuring the Course: Lesson Design Appendix A: Writing Learning Outcomes Appendix B: Using the Standards Checklist