Module 4: Building Sustainable Online Programs

The graphic illustrates a how an envisioned forest grows from and is sustained by future seeds.
What will your online program ecosystem need to ensure the program’s sustainability?

When designing new online programs, the initial work is on the vision, development, and implementation stages; however, from the perspective of an educational leader, there must also be a focus on program sustainability. In this module, we unpack the idea of sustainability in relation to meeting existing community needs effectively through the development of online programs and their long-term success. We highlight different approaches to ensuring sustainability and focus on creating a sustainability plan for your program. 

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of Unit 1: Sustainability and Online Programs, you will be able to:

  • Recognize the importance of embedding sustainability in the program design process
  • Apply a sustainability lens to the process of designing and implementing your program

You will take away:

  • Knowledge of areas within your own institution that currently promote sustainable program development and where sustainability efforts need to be developed

By the end of Unit 2: Preparing for Sustainability Planning, you will be able to:

  • Recognize the importance of using a systems approach to embed sustainability in the program design process
  • Determine institutional and/or departmental readiness to create a sustainability plan

You will take away:

  • Awareness of whether your institution and/or department is ready to develop a sustainability plan for your program

By the end of Unit 3: Creating A Sustainability Plan, you will be able to:

  • Revisit your online program vision with a sustainability lens
  • Create or review a sustainability plan for your institution

You will take away:

  • A sustainability plan that is both actionable and renewable
Throughout this module, you will be prompted to reflect on key ideas and complete activities that will enable you to lead conversations and plan future action. You can keep track of your work by downloading and recording it in the Program Design and Implementation Workbook. 

License

Creating and Implementing High-Quality, Sustainable Online Programs Copyright © 2022 by Western University is licensed under a Ontario Commons License, except where otherwise noted.

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