The backward design approach is a new course development technique being implemented in Mauritius among public Mauritian universities. The main objective is to ensure effective blended learning to Mauritian students based on Moodle learning platform. Backward learning enabled the setting of course aims aligned with students’ needs and then working back to developing learning outcomes created from Open Educational Resources (OERs). The training was provided to forty staff from the four public Mauritian universities. For the research evaluation, the qualitative method was used through feedback responses from all 40 participants in the training. The key results found were that the backward design concept was well grasped by the participants during the training including its benefits for teaching. Immersive learning was a fundamental attribute of such a technique. The training considerations like empowerment and engagement were prioritised. Participants also addressed challenges namely design, application and time linked with this teaching and learning approach. In a nutshell, backward design could be envisaged in Mauritius with regards to new programmes of study having more practical than academic weighting. It might be applied to project-based assessments and innovative courses which might lack proper learning materials but might depend on OERs.

Keywords: Backward design, Open educational resources, Reverse design concept, Benefits, Challenges, Applicability, Importance, Feasibility, Contextualisation, Higher education.

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Source of Funding:

The study has no funding from any institution.

Competing Interests Statement:

The author declares having no competing interest with any party concerned during this publication.

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Authors' contributions:

All research work is from the author.

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All data pertaining to the research is kept in good custody by the author.

Acknowledgements:

The author acknowledges having contacted respondents from public Mauritian universities to gain insightful data for this research.