Last updated on December 2, 2024
Discover how innovative course design is transforming online learning at MSU Denver with the revamped CIS 4550. Developing an engaging and effective online course requires thoughtful planning, creativity, and a deep understanding of both content and andragogy. Faculty members who participate in the development cycle invest their time and expertise to ensure their courses meet the highest standards of online education. This process is critical to creating an engaging learning environment that supports students in mastering complex subjects. Here, we showcase the recent redesign of CIS 4550: Information Systems Security Management and Information Assurance, a course that has undergone a significant transformation to enhance online delivery and student engagement.
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Showcase Examples
Engaging Multimedia Design
- The newly redesigned CIS 4550 course exemplifies impressive multimedia integration. Dr. Janos Fustos, who has taught in the Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics department since 1997, leveraged his expertise in information systems security to create 51 concise video lectures that align with the Pre-Training Principle of the Theory of Multimedia Learning. This approach ensures students are well-versed in key concepts and terminology before delving into advanced discussions. The videos, combined with comprehensive slide decks, provide a rich multimedia experience that helps students better visualize complex cybersecurity concepts. In this way, the course incorporates the Multimedia Principle, which promotes learning from words and images over words alone.
Alignment with Industry Standards
- A standout feature of the redesigned CIS 4550 course is its alignment with industry standards, specifically the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification. By aligning course objectives and content with these standards, the course offers students a learning experience that meets academic goals and prepares them for real-world challenges in information systems security. The careful design of research paper prompts and rubrics further enhances the course’s ability to measure student learning outcomes, ensuring that students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for their future careers.
- To review the certification outline this course prepares students for, check out the CISSP Certification Exam Summary.
Enhanced Interactivity and Engagement
- The redesigned course structure integrates various interactive elements to sustain student engagement and support asynchronous learning. Interactive knowledge checks, engaging module overviews, and thought-provoking “hooks” at the beginning of each module captivate students’ interest and foster active participation. These features are thoughtfully crafted to keep students engaged throughout their learning process, providing regular opportunities to apply what they’ve learned and receive feedback — crucial for deep understanding and retention of course material.
Partnering for Continuous Improvement in Teaching and Learning
A significant factor in the success of this and similar projects is the support and funding from the Office of Online Learning (OOL), which has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of our online educational endeavors. OOL’s support and contributions have empowered faculty members to innovate and create a more enriching educational environment for all. Please visit the Office of Online Learning for more information about all that they are doing to help MSU Denver faculty members and students.
Want to get involved?
Interested in redesigning your own course to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes? Join our development cycle and collaborate with our instructional design and media experts to create an impactful online experience. Whether you’re looking to update content, incorporate multimedia elements, or align your course with industry standards, we’re here to help. Find out more about how to get involved and make your course stand out!
Have questions?
Want help on this or other teaching and learning topics? Please visit us for drop-in support (10am-3pm, M-F) or try one of our self-help tutorials.