Designing programmes and courses is a pretty daunting task -- especially when there’s little time. Teachers need a structured process for developing courses. Initially this framework was developed to help face-to-face teachers who are often overwhelmed by the prospect of teaching online. With step-by-step guidelines, OTARA helped them achieve their objectives. But we found that the model had wider potential.

OTARA is scalable - you can use it for designing a whole programme or a single learning activity; whether it is technology-based, classroom-based, or in print.

OTARA is dynamic – you can revisit and revise the document again and again as the design of the project takes shape.

OTARA is a communication tool – all team members can use it to track design decisions.


This learning design framework was developed by Kate Hunt, Terry Neal, and Maurice Moore. Several other people in the e-learning field have added their 2 cents worth along the way.