instructional materials

Self-Guided Course Design and Development

Posted on February 5, 2026March 16, 2026 by Jennifer Parker and Catherine Healy

Last modified on

February 5, 2026

Jennifer Parker

Overview

This post guides UConn faculty in designing, building, and teaching online and hybrid courses. Please see UConn Registrar’s Course Modalities for a complete explanation of each instructional approach.

The phases outlined are intended for faculty with a strong background in teaching and pedagogy who are already comfortable using HuskyCT. To learn more about the skills and knowledge needed, see UConn Competencies for Online and Hybrid Instruction.

We encourage faculty who prefer a more guided support model to review the phases outlined in this site and then contact eCampus to work with one of our staff members.

This icon indicates information related to accessibility and universal design of learning.

This icon indicates information related to Artificial Intelligence use in course design.

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Finding and Using Free Images

Posted on February 3, 2025February 3, 2026 by Kelsey Keefe

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Copyright in Online Courses: Using Free Content Legally

Posted on February 3, 2025January 16, 2026 by Kelsey Keefe

Last modified on

February 3, 2025

Kelsey Keefe

Overview

This article provides an overview of common concepts related to copyright in online courses and shares best practices for finding and using free educational materials.

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Types of Videos for Online Teaching & Learning

Posted on August 29, 2024January 16, 2026 by Kelsey Keefe

Last modified on

June 9, 2025

Kelsey Keefe

Overview

Videos can be used for a variety of purposes in online courses, and different set-ups are required to achieve these goals. This article will review the types of videos used in online courses and provide examples.

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Creating & Managing Videos for Online Teaching & Learning

Posted on July 19, 2024February 3, 2026 by Kelsey Keefe

Last modified on

July 1, 2025

Kelsey Keefe

Overview

Videos are gaining ground in online education as a result of their versatility in promoting learning, satisfaction, engagement, and interest (LSEI; Costley & Lange, 2017). With this fast-growing dependence on videos, online educators need to become mindful of what constitutes quality videos and how they are best integrated into online content delivery and interaction.

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FAQs About Videos for Online Teaching & Learning

Posted on June 5, 2024January 16, 2026 by Kelsey Keefe

Last modified on

June 9, 2025

Kelsey Keefe

Overview

This post is a collection of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) pertaining to creating videos for online courses.

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eCampus Accessibility Checklist and Guide

Posted on March 4, 2024February 3, 2026 by Kelsey Keefe, Tim Stubbs and Eileen Stuyniski

Last modified on

July 8, 2025

Kelsey Keefe

Overview

This post provides a guide to implementing the eCampus Accessibility Checklist, including disabilities and common barriers, accessibility frameworks, rationale for accessibility standards, and resources for implementation.

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Deciding on Instructional Materials

Posted on January 29, 2024January 7, 2026 by Eileen Stuyniski

Last modified on

January 29, 2024

Eileen Stuyniski

A woman deciding among three alternatives: Make, Buy, or look for Free materials — Should you make, buy, or look for free materials? (created by UConn eCampus using ChatGPT)

Overview

This article provides instructional material alternatives, with examples, for use in online, hybrid, and in-person courses. Three options will be considered. Should you “make”, “buy” or look for “free” materials that support your learning objectives?

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An Overview of VoiceThread

Posted on July 13, 2021February 2, 2026 by Kelsey Keefe

Last modified on

December 31, 2024

Simon Wang

Overview

VoiceThread is an interactive, multimedia discussion tool that enables dynamic conversations around multimedia content including images, videos, documents, and presentations. It allows users (instructors & students) to create, share, and comment on content using a variety of formats, including text, audio, and video. Online instructors can leverage VoiceThread to create asynchronous discussions, deliver interactive lectures, or facilitate group projects. Its flexibility supports diverse learning styles and encourages participation, making it an ideal tool for building community in online courses. VoiceThread integrates seamlessly with HuskyCT, ensuring a smooth experience for both instructors and students.

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An Overview of Perusall

Posted on October 29, 2020February 2, 2026 by Tim Stubbs

Last modified on

August 14, 2025

Timothy Stubbs

Overview

Perusall is a free “social annotation” tool that helps students engage with course material in class groups. When integrated with HuskyCT, instructors can create reading or viewing assignments in which students create & share their own annotations and respond to each other’s comments and questions. Perusall informs instructors of the concepts that generate the most student questions & discussion, and Perusall can assist instructors score assignments quickly and efficiently. Perusall also reminds students of incomplete assignments, prompting higher rates of completion and preparedness.

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