Center for Excellence in TeachingDeciding between synchronous & asynchronous modes of teaching
Considerations to inform your decision on when, why, and how course materials and activities should be accomplished asynchronously or synchronously.
Resources: Course Design
USC Syllabus Template
This editable syllabus template reflects the most current USC guidelines and is suggested for faculty use; please check with your school or program to see if a customized template is already provided.
Note on Versioning: To review changes from the previous template, please refer to the USC Syllabus Template with Track Changes document, which includes the dates and comments associated with the modifications made.
Course design syllabus review checklist
This syllabus review checklist was developed to include recommended course design practices relevant to most teaching environments at USC; it is editable so that schools may add or delete items to customize it to their needs.
Synchronous online course design syllabus review checklist
This synchronous syllabus checklist was developed to include recommended course design practices relevant to most teaching environments at USC; it is editable so that schools may add or delete items to customize it to their needs.
Asynchronous online course design syllabus review checklist
This asynchronous syllabus review checklist was developed to include recommended course design practices relevant to most teaching environments at USC; it is editable so that schools may add or delete items to customize it to their needs.
The Flipped Classroom: A Research Perspective
An overview of the flipped classroom, its pros and cons, and a bibliography of relevant research.
Netiquette considerations
“Netiquette” or “internet etiquette,” describes the recommended communication and behavior of online communication. Having a netiquette policy for your course can help minimize the chances of miscommunication and perceived disrespect.
Universal design for learning (UDL)
A brief overview of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its connection to USC course design and teaching.
Guest speakers as an active learning opportunity
An explanation of how to facilitate an in-class active learning technique using a guest speaker, either live or recorded, for any size class.
Planning online assessment
This document introduces some options for developing and administering online assessments.