Common course design myths
Course design is about more than building a Canvas course. As instructional designers at Continuing Education, we partner with faculty throughout the design process to explore teaching strategies, align learning activities with outcomes and create engaging educational experiences. Along the way, we often discuss common assumptions about course design and how evidence-based practices can improve the learning experience.
Here are some of the myths we help faculty navigate:
Myth 1: “If I cover more content, students will learn more.”
In Continuing Education, we see how overloaded courses affect adult learners juggling work, family and professional commitments. When everything feels essential, learners struggle to prioritize and, instead, often disengage.
What helps: Clear, focused outcomes and modules built around what truly matters. Adult learners thrive when they can see the purpose behind each activity and practice skills in manageable, low stakes ways.
Myth 2: “A well-organized course doesn’t need ongoing communication.”
Even the most polished course shells don’t replace instructor presence. We frequently see student questions that could have been prevented with timely communication. Adult learners rely on predictable updates to stay on track.
What helps: Weekly announcements, reminders and quick check-ins that reinforce structure and reduce confusion. Consistent communication keeps learners confident and reduces support tickets.
Myth 3: “Accessibility is only for students with accommodations.”
Accessibility isn’t optional; it’s essential. Adult learners bring diverse backgrounds, languages, abilities and schedules. Clear, flexible, well-structured materials help everyone succeed and reduce barriers that often lead to withdrawal.
What helps: Alt text, captions, chunked content, readable layouts and multiple ways to engage. These practices improve usability for busy professionals, multilingual learners and anyone accessing materials on the go.
Myth 4: “High quality assessments must be long or high stakes.”
We regularly see learners struggle with single high stakes exams, especially those returning to school after years away. Frequent, smaller assessments give adults more chances to practice, build confidence and demonstrate progress.
What helps: Short, targeted assessments aligned to specific outcomes, paired with transparent rubrics. These approaches support learning while reducing stress and attrition.
Myth 5: “Students already know how to learn.”
Adult learners often need support navigating digital platforms, managing time or approaching academic tasks — especially if they’re new to online learning or returning to learning after a long break. Significant time helping learners build these skills may be needed.
What helps: Modeling how to approach assignments, offering templates, sharing study tips and providing examples. These small supports dramatically improve learner confidence and reduce frustration.
Myth 6: “Course design is something you finish.”
Educational programs evolve constantly as new technologies, new learner needs and new industry expectations bubble up. Courses that stay static quickly fall out of alignment with what adult learners require.
What helps: Small updates each term, mid‑course feedback and a willingness to adjust based on learner experiences. Iteration keeps courses relevant and reduces issues.
Final Thoughts
We see firsthand how these course design myths shape the learner experience. When faculty embrace intentional, accessible and learner‑centered design, courses run more smoothly, adult learners feel supported and programs become more sustainable. Thoughtful design doesn’t just improve learning—it strengthens the entire educational ecosystem.
Continuing Education’s Learning Design Group is hosting a series of free monthly online course design sessions that are open to all faculty and staff in teaching, regardless of the modality (face-to-face, remote, hybrid, online, etc.). We would love for you to join us and encourage you to share this great opportunity with your colleagues!