The Integrated Curriculum Model
What is integrated curriculum?
Integrated curriculum is a strategic model in which BYU–Idaho online courses share course outcomes, core content, and key assessments with campus and hybrid versions of the same course.
Why is integrated curriculum important?
An integrated curriculum provides the necessary structure for BYU–Idaho to serve the learning needs of individual students as they progress through the university. Integratedcurriculum ensures that students study the same things and are assessed in generally the same way regardless of the course delivery method. Under this model, BYU–Idaho can better serve student learning needs because the University knows what students have learned and experienced in each class. An integrated curriculum is the basis for a powerful, consistent learning experience.
Who determines the curriculum for online courses?
BYU–Idaho online courses are designed and developed by a Course Council, which consists of a course lead, a curriculum designer and, when possible, an online course representative. The Course Governance section of this document describes the roles of each of these council members. By developing courses with each council member’s input, we ensure online courses reflect the University’s goals for the course and create a learning experience tailored for the online environment.
What is the role of an online instructor in this model?
Online instructors focus on facilitating a powerful learning experience for students. An integrated curriculum is a not a lock-step curriculum; individual instructors are invited and encouraged to work with individual students in the way they feel is best. Instructors are expected and encouraged to bring their professional and academic expertise into the online course experience.
Individual instructors recommend course improvements to their online course representative, who sits on the Course Council. The Course Council then works together to weigh all recommendations for improvements and determine changes to the curriculum and course design. The council process is an important element of a solid and consistently improving curriculum. Individual instructors are not to alter the outcomes, content, assessment, or design of the course outside of the Course Council process.