Online Course Design Institute
The Online Course Design Institute (OCDI) is an asynchronous, online training for K-State instructors that guides the development of an online course. With the support and guidance of instructional designers from the Center for Academic Innovation, you will apply what you learn about online course design methodologies and best practices to the development of your K-State online course.
"Participating in the Online Course Design Institute was a fantastic experience! Using a backward design framework, the program helped me align learning objectives, activities, and assessments to create a cohesive and engaging course. Having the accountability to ensure all aspects of my class were aligned with best practices was a true gift. My favorite outcome from the program was gaining the ability to clearly share how each assignment connects to specific learning objectives which I think really increased my students' interest and motivation to complete the projects."
Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, AFC®, CFT™, Associate Professor Personal Financial Planning
Launching Spring 2026: New OCDI Design and Microcredential Pathway
Because you have a million and one responsibilities and time for professional development is limited, we have redesigned the OCDI to be more self-paced, maximizing your time-management. Additionally, upon successful completion of the new OCDI, you will earn the Online Course Design Institute microcredential!
The New Design
The New OCDI is designed as a series of four mini-courses:
- Foundations of Course Planning
- Online Course Design Principles
- Online Instructional Content
- Canvas Online Course Development
While the mini-courses must be completed in sequence, you pick the schedule! From the moment you register, you will have 60 days to complete each mini-course, so you can register to start the course when you feel you have the time. We estimate each course to be about 12 - 15 hours of engagement. Once you finish OCDI 1, you can enroll in OCDI 2 at your convenience. If you need to wait until time opens up in your schedule, that’s fine! While you set the start date, each course is still facilitated by an instructional designer, allowing you to get individualized feedback and one-on-one support.
The Microcredential
When you complete each of the four OCDI mini-courses, you will earn a stackable microcredential. When you earn all four credentials and complete the full Online Course Design Institute, you will earn the OCDI Achievement Badge. Badges are available as both a digital badge and a printed certificate, making it easy to showcase your achievement across professional platforms and formats.
Required Prerequisite
Basic knowledge of Canvas is required for participation. If you need Canvas training prior to the OCDI, a free, self-paced Canvas 101 training is available online. If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Center for Academic Innovation instructional designers at idteam@k-state.edu.
Cost – Free!
Even with the new, self-paced design and the professional credentials, the OCDI remains free to all instructors and graduate students who are currently teaching or planning to develop an online course in the next year at K-State! Register using your K-State eID to access this training at no cost to you!
Register Here
Registration will be opening soon on this page. Please check back for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions