When CT State Community College unified its 15 campuses, it presented an opportunity to standardize key courses like Motion Graphics, a cornerstone of the Graphic Design program. The challenge was to design a course that balanced technical skills with creative motion design while addressing accessibility and varied student needs. Over six months, I led the redesign process to create an inclusive, adaptable learning environment that empowers students to excel in motion graphics through clear structure, hands-on projects, and accessible content.
6 Months
Blackboard
Adult Learners, Higher Education Students
Face-to-Face (F2F), Web-Enhanced
Curriculum Development, Graphic Design, Instruction, Instructional Design, Project Management, Multimedia Design
Course Syllabus, Course Instruction, Modular Course Structure (Weekly Lesson Plans), Grading Rubrics, Creative Briefs, Instructional Videos (Step-by-Step Tutorials), Interactive Learning Resources (Quizzes, Exercises), Learning Objects (Animations, Infographics, Downloadables)
The Motion Graphics course, a key part of the Graphic Design Associate Degree program, required a redesign to address gaps in content, skill application, and delivery consistency. Students lacked understanding of core motion design principles, struggled with varying technical proficiencies, and faced inconsistent learning experiences across course formats.
Bridge the gap between technical skills and motion design creativity.
Standardize course delivery to ensure consistent learning experiences.
Improve student understanding of motion design principles and workflows.
Equip students with industry-ready skills through hands-on projects.
Create a collaborative learning environment that mimics real-world design studios.
Community college students aged 17-21 enrolled in the Graphic Design program.
Students come from diverse creative disciplines, including communication, arts/theater, and visual arts/photography.
Some learners have experience with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, or basic video production, but comfort with After Effects and motion design concepts varies widely.
Many students balance coursework with part-time jobs, family responsibilities, or extracurricular activities, requiring flexible and structured learning.
Fulfill degree requirements and graduate.
Build portfolios to prepare for transfer or entry-level design jobs.
Gain practical, in-demand skills to improve employability in creative industries.
Explore motion design as both a creative outlet and a potential career path.
Project-based learning, step-by-step tasks, and creative experimentation.
Video tutorials, live demonstrations, and examples of professional motion design work.
Group projects, peer critiques, and shared idea refinement.
Clear workflows, modular lessons, and visual aids to support skill-building at different levels.
Balance technical skills with creative motion design application.
Deliver a consistent, engaging experience across in-person, online, and hybrid formats.
Provide clear guidance to accommodate varying skill levels.
Simulate professional studio environments through collaboration and feedback.
Combine motion design theory with practical Adobe After Effects workflows.
Build content progressively with modular lessons that advance from foundational skills to complex projects.
Use storytelling techniques, such as mood boards and storyboards, to guide creative development.
Include professional examples and case studies to demonstrate real-world applications.
Hands-on assignments that guide students through planning and executing motion graphics pieces.
Feedback sessions using tools like MURAL to encourage collaboration and idea refinement.
Infographics, diagrams, and live demonstrations simplify technical processes and workflows.
Tutorials, stock media libraries, and reading materials like Adobe After Effects Classroom in a Book.
The course followed a clear 15-week schedule:
Foundation Building (Weeks 1-6): Students learned After Effects basics and completed a foundational project.
Advanced Concepts (Weeks 7-10): Students explored intermediate techniques and completed a second project.
Capstone Project (Weeks 11-15): Students combined their skills to create a final motion graphics piece.
Each phase included lessons, workshops, and critiques to build skills progressively.
“Adobe After Effects Classroom in a Book” for tutorials.
YouTube videos and blogs for extra learning.
Stock image, video, and audio repositories for projects.
MURAL for reviewing storyboards collaboratively.
Blackboard for file sharing and grading.
The Mac lab had professional tools like drawing tablets, printers, and collaboration-friendly layouts, mimicking a real design studio.
Created modular lessons combining motion design principles and After Effects training.
Students reviewed materials independently, while class time focused on hands-on practice, critiques, and Q&A sessions.
Integrated MURAL and Blackboard to facilitate peer critiques, content sharing, and project management.
Weekly feedback loops and recaps allowed for in-class refinements to address student challenges.
Resolved software access issues by improving Blackboard functionality and expanding resources for remote learners.
Tracking students’ progress from drafts to final projects.
Surveys and self-assessments to understand the course’s impact.
Notes on participation and performance to identify challenges.
Using Blackboard data to monitor engagement with online materials.
Standardized feedback at the end of the semester.
Grade and project quality analysis at the end of the semester.
average student satisfaction rating, with strong performance in “encouraging participation” and “providing clear feedback.”
of students agreed that the course created a positive atmosphere for learning and encouraged creativity.
Students created 5-10 second animated logos that showcased their personal brands on LinkedIn, Instagram, and portfolio sites.
Students produced 30-60 second videos for Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok explaining how to register to vote, keeping the message engaging and non-partisan.
Students designed complete graphics packages for broadcast or digital media, including animated lower thirds, transitions, and title cards that followed consistent brand guidelines.
Healthcare/Medical
Government/Public Sector
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