QUALITY ASSURANCE ONLINE LEARNING COURSES. Revised April development form.

Transcription

1 QUALITY ASSURANCE OF ONLINE LEARNING COURSES Revised April development form.

2 Manual for Quality Assurance of Online, Hybrid, and Web-Enhanced Courses as Approved by the Leadership Team for Distance Learning at GNTC 2010 Georgia Northwestern Technical College ii

3 Quality Assurance of Online Courses Acknowledgements Thanks to the Georgia Virtual Technical Connection for their permission to use this document and make it our own. Many thanks to the Coordinators and Instructors who contributed to this manual. Leadership Team for Distance Learning-subcommittee (Online Review Committee) The subcommittee of the leadership team is comprised of faculty who will conduct an audit of courses at GNTC which have a non-traditional distance format. A sampling of at least twenty five (25) percent of these courses will be reviewed annually to ensure that the standards and competencies have been met and that all proper documentation is maintained in the Course Instructional Delivery System (CIDS). The initial review will encompass all courses and will be conducted from April 2010-April Sharon Wilson, Online Coordinator-Advisor Darice Lewis, Assistant Coordinator Leadership Team Subcommittee (Online Review Committee) Cantrell, Tony (CIS) Cox, Ronda (Gen Ed) Fennell, Michael (Drafting) Grisham, Wendy (Gen Ed) McCormick, Christy (Gen Ed) McFry, Gerald (MSD) Roebuck, Dan (BUS) Whitfield, Karen (BUS) Polchek, Chris (IT) not a reviewer or voting member, technology purposes only 2010 Georgia Northwestern Technical College iii

4 Table of Contents Acknowledgements... Page iii Introduction, Purpose... Page 1 Rationale and Five Step Procedure... Page 2 General Program Standard Guide Instructional Program, Online Program Delivery Mode... Page 5 (Section 1) Course Development Request Form for GNTC... Page 6 (Section 2) Online Course Institutional Review Process Form... Page 7 (Section 3) Best Practices Course Development... Page 8 (Section 4) GVTC Student Satisfaction Survey... Page 35 (Section 5) Online/Hybrid Instructor Evaluation Information... Page 40 (Section 7) Instructor Self-Review... Page 41 (Section 8) 2010 Georgia Northwestern Technical College iv

5 Introduction The Georgia Virtual Technical Connection (GVTC) is a consortium of independent technical colleges working in a collaborative manner to create occupational courses and programs, using a standardized curriculum delivered over the Internet and through local centers. GNTC will adhere to these practices. Our Purpose The mission of the Online Quality Review Committee is to provide input, feedback, and suggestions for improvement to the Leadership Team for Distance Learning as well as information for the Deans

6 Quality Assurance Rationale Quality assurance of distance learning courses is essential on three (3) levels: 1. Institutional Level. To advance and protect the reputation of the educational institution in attracting students, qualified faculty members, and collaboratives with business and industry. 2. Student Level. To assure the student that his/her credential is recognized by prospective employers and is relevant in today s workforce. 3. Faculty Level. To provide training, resources, and technical support for the development of new online courses and the maintenance of on-going online courses. Five-Step Procedure 1. INSTRUCTOR TRAINING The instructor is trained in online learning methodology to include the learning management system and related software either by the GVTC certified trainer or a certified trainer in the instructor s consortium area. 2. COURSE DEVELOPMENT Initial submission for approval is requested with the Course Development Request form. After the course is approved for development, an Online Course Institutional Review Process is started and the course is developed based on the Best Practices Course Development Guide. 3. PEER REVIEW The course is then submitted for approval for delivery. The course is reviewed utilizing the Best Practices Course Development Guide by peers. The Online Course Institutional Review Process is completed. The course is not approved for online delivery unless the Online Course Institutional Review Process has the Online Coordinator or Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs signature. 4. COURSE EVALUATION During initial delivery of the course, the following items are used for evaluation: GNTC Student Satisfaction Survey, Review of online learning classes by peers. 5. PERIODIC REVIEW Periodic reviews are scheduled utilizing the Development Guide. If a course was marked approved with changes, the course will be checked about week three to see if changes were made. Upon receipt of three students valid complaints a review will be conducted on any course or instructor. The review committee will review for quality assurance and note any improvement needed and sent to the appropriate Dean

7 Quality Assurance Five-Step Procedure 1. Instructor Training LMS 2. Course Development 3. Online Steering Committee Review 4. Course Evaluation 5. Course Taught Online & Periodic Review of Course Learning Management System General Program Standards Course Development Request Form Completed Course Reviewed by Online Quality Review Board Using GNTC Best Practices Course Development Guide Course is Piloted Online/ Hybrid Course Survey Periodic Review of Course Using GNTC Best Practices Course Development Guide Committee will Course is Developed Using GNTC Best Practices Course Development Guide Make Recommendation Review by peers Instructor Requests to Teach Course [- 4 -]

8 Section 1 General Program Standard TCSG Instructional Program, Online Program Delivery Mode Online Program Delivery Mode Standard Number: TCSG Standard Statement Online educational courses and programs offered for credit through GNTC must meet accepted standards for best practice as well as the minimum program and institutional standards established by the Technical College System of Georgia. Explanatory Comment An online program consists of the procedures, courses and programs offered by a technical college over the Internet to develop competencies for a specific occupation. The Online Quality Review Board will ensure courses meet accepted standards for best practice as well as the minimum program and institutional standards established by TCSG. Evaluative TCSG-Programs offered on line through the Georgia Virtual Technical Connection shall have admission, retention, work ethics, and credential requirements that are qualitatively consistent with those in effect for on-campus programs. GNTC-Courses offered online through the GNTC shall have admission, retention, work ethics, and credential requirements that are qualitatively consistent with those in effect for on-campus courses. TCSG-Programs offered on line through the Georgia Virtual Technical Connection shall have individual student records including financial aid and educational progress records permanently maintained by the program home campus. GNTC-Programs offered online through GNTC shall have individual student records including financial aid and educational progress records permanently maintained. TCSG-Courses offered on line through the Georgia Virtual Technical Connection must meet quality assurance criteria approved by the local college offering the course. GNTC-Courses offered online through GNTC must meet quality assurance criteria as outlined in the GNTC Quality Assurance Manual approved by the Distance Learning Leadership Team. TCSG-Program instructors teaching on line are required to initiate contact with students daily during the drop/add period and at least three times a week thereafter. GNTC-Instructors should initiate contact with students daily during the drop/add period and at least weekly thereafter. Instructors should respond to students as set forth in the COE criteria listed Georgia Northwestern Technical College [- 5 -]

9 The institution ensures timeliness and quality of its responses (synchronously or asynchronously) to students requests by placing a requirement on response time of no more than 24 hours within the institution s published operational schedule of the program/course. The operational hours of GNTC are 7:45AM-4:15PM Monday-Friday. TCSG-Program instructors teaching online must be trained in the software platform used to offer the course. GNTC-Instructors teaching online, hybrid, or web-enhanced courses are trained by a GVTC certified trainer before teaching in the LMS. TCSG-Technical colleges must ensure on line program quality through appropriate involvement of oncampus administrators and faculty in planning, peer review, approval and on-going evaluation. GNTC- ensures online program quality through appropriate involvement of on-campus administrators and faculty in planning, peer review, approval and on-going evaluation Georgia Northwestern Technical College [- 6 -]

10 SECTION 2 GEORGIA NORTHWESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE Process for requesting online, web-enhanced, hybrid format for classes A request for approval to develop an online, web-enhanced or hybrid course must be submitted in writing (electronically) to the Online Coordinator according to the following procedures: 1. Initiation-courses should be developed in congruence with the operational and strategic goals of the college. The same rigor and standards apply to courses in any format. Courses can be selected from occupational and general education curriculum. 2. The instructor initiating the action should complete a request form and submit via . The form should be reviewed and approved by the Dean of the division. The instructor must develop the course in accordance with guideline for maintaining the academic integrity, course design, and rigor of the course. The proposal should be sent to the Online Coordinator who will present to the Online Quality Review Committee. 3. The Online Quality Review Committee will evaluate the course using criteria established in the GNTC Quality of Online Courses Manual. The course developer may be asked to present an overview of the completed course to the Online Quality Review Committee. After reviewing the course, the Committee may recommend implementation of the course, implementation after revisions, or delayed implementation for substantive revisions. The Committee may also recommend the course not be added to the offering of credit classes if there is a compelling reason. 4. The new format will be included in the schedule of course offerings when approved. The instructor, in consultation with the Dean of the division, shall determine how often and during what quarter the course shall be offered. 5. Review-courses will require a periodic peer review Georgia Northwestern Technical College [- 7 -]

11 GNTC Course Development Request (A Course Development Form must be filled out and returned to the Online Coordinator by the dean. Courses must be approved by the Online Quality Review Committee prior to the course being placed on the Semester Course Schedule) Note: Please attach a copy of the syllabus and student guide to be used for this class and a copy of the TCSG standards for the course. Instructors may be asked to present all new online and hybrid classes to the online committee at a semester meeting for approval. Courses will be reviewed by the committee before teaching. Name of Instructor Date of Request Number and Title of Proposed Online Course Class Type: Online Hybrid - Actual time required per week in the classroom is 50% or more. Syllabus should indicate online and campus activities. Request release time for development of course. Request adjunct pay for development hours. Number of hours anticipated for course development **Note-Deans and faculty members must list any programs which will be increased to 50% or more online or 100% online if this change is approved. Web-enhanced (Must contain at least 3 of the following): Syllabus/Course Guide required Calendar Readings Resources Bibliography Glossary Links to Professional Organizations Lecture Notes Listserv Discussion Board Tests Other Timeline for Development Dates for course development (if applicable) Proposed date for implementation Specialized Hardware/Software Required? Cost to student? Specialized Training Required? Cost? [ ] Approved by Dean of Academic Affairs 2010 Georgia Northwestern Technical College [- 8 -]

12 Section 3 Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) Online, Web-enhanced, Hybrid Course Best Practices Adapted from GVTC Online Course Best Practices Best Practices documents are intended as guides to use in helping to ensure the quality of online courses. Not every item listed in these documents will be appropriate or relative to every course. Similarly, the value of a particular item should be adjusted appropriately according to the importance that a particular item has in the course. The purpose of these documents is to encourage the college s practices that have proven to be successful in an effort to provide students with excellence in the online learning experience. These guides have been cooperatively developed by faculty and administrators with substantial experience in the development and delivery of online courses intended for students of the Technical College System of Georgia. Best Practices Include Three Primary Documents: 1. Course Development Guide and Review. This guide is intended for use in the development of a course before it is delivered to students. Additionally, this guide can be used in the periodic review for courses that may have been offered over a period of time to help ensure the updated delivery of the course. 2. Instructor Evaluation. This form is intended for use as a summary feedback that reflects the instructor s facilitation of course content, interaction with and assessment of students. 3. Instructor Self-Review. This form is intended for use by the online instructor to reflect on items and methods used in the online course. It is not intended to be submitted, accounted for, or used in an administrative procedure. (Same document) 2010 Georgia Northwestern Technical College [- 9 -]

13 The guide is divided into four categories. Each category begins with an overall goal of the category, areas of concentration within the category, and descriptive indicators which address the purpose of the criterion used. Criterion and a three-column rubric follow each category narrative. 1. Course Content. This area addresses the actual course material itself. It addresses issues which should result in providing students with engaging learning experiences and content mastery. It also ensures the course is aligned with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) standards or nationally accepted certification standards. 2. Instructional Design. This area focuses on the organization and instructional strategies used. 3. Learner Assessment. This area spotlights evaluation strategies and feedback. 4. Technology. This area concentrates on the use of various technologies, online resources, and accessibility issues Georgia Northwestern Technical College [- 10 -]

14 Category One: Course Content Standard: The course provides online learners with an engaging learning experience that promotes their mastery of the content and is aligned with TCSG standards or nationally accepted certification standards. Academic Content Standards and Assessments Indicators The course goals and objectives are measurable and clearly state what the student will know or be able to do at the end of the course. The course content and assignments are aligned with TCSG standards or nationally accepted standards for those courses whose outcomes lead to certification. Work Ethics is addressed according to TCSG requirements. Course tasks and assessments align with the required TCSG standards or nationally accepted assessment standards associated with the course. The course content and assignments are of sufficient rigor, depth, and breadth to teach the standards and identified student learning outcomes. The course provides for timely and appropriate interaction between students and faculty and among students. Sufficient learning resources and materials to increase student success are available. Course Overview and Introduction Indicators A clear, complete course overview, syllabus, and schedule are included in the course. Course requirements are consistent with course goals, representative of the scope of the course, and clearly stated. Information is provided to students on procedures for communication with the online instructor, including information on the process for these communications. Important dates are clearly indicated. Legal and Acceptable Use Policies Indicators Issues associated with the use of copyrighted materials are addressed. Academic integrity and netiquette expectations regarding lesson activities, discussions, communications, and plagiarism are clearly addressed. Assessment and assignment feedback procedures are provided Georgia Northwestern Technical College [- 11 -]

15 Online/Hybrid Course Development Guide & Review Course Content Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments Academic Content Standards and Assessments The course goals and objectives are measureable and clearly state what the student will know or be able to do at the end of the course. REF: COC CS 3.4.5; COE Objective E-7 TCSG Instructor is effective in reinforcing the core learning outcomes. The course content and assignments are aligned with TCSG curriculum standards or nationally accepted standards for those courses whose outcomes lead to certification. REF: TCSG Work Ethics is addressed according to TCSG requirements. Faculty who teach General Education courses, diploma Basic Skills courses, and any other nonoccupational courses (ex. BIOL 2113) are exempt from teaching and assessing Work Ethics A code of ethics is basic to all cultures, groups, and professions. Ethics provide guidelines for living and performing, and they serve as the basis for making difficult decisions. Classroom instruction on ethical work standards is, therefore, provided in each course, and students receive the opportunity to practice these ethics in an educational setting before they enter the workplace. Each student is evaluated twice each quarter in terms of his or her work ethic: at midterm and at the end of the quarter. Learning Support classes do not include a work ethics grade. This evaluation is reflected in a separate 2010 Georgia Northwestern Technical College [12]

16 Course Content Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments competencies in those courses beginning Spring 2013 semester. grade on a student's transcript. Attributes measured as part of work ethics are attendance (online it is punctuality), character, teamwork, appearance (online is netiquette), attitude (online is critical thinking), productivity, organizational skills, communication, cooperation, and respect. Grading scale is as follows: 3=exceeds expectations, 2=meets expectations, 1=needs improvement, and 0=unacceptable. Course tasks and assessments align with the required TCSG standards or nationally accepted assessment standards associated with the course. REF: TCSG , Academic Content Standards and Assessments The course content and assignments are of sufficient rigor, depth and breadth to teach the standards and identified student learning outcomes. REF: COC COE E-12,TCGS , , , , Clear and explicit alignment exists between objectives, assessments, instructional strategies, content and technology; and the content, activities and assignments provide multiple learning opportunities to master the standards. Instructor demonstrates expertise in the subject matter Georgia Northwestern Technical College [12]

17 Course Content Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments The course provides for timely and appropriate interaction between students and faculty and among students. REF: COE E-14, 15 TCSG , Distance and Correspondence Education Policy Statement. Promotes student-tostudent communication as part of lesson activities; utilizes communication forums such as threaded discussion forums, chats, etc. Instructor is consistently well-prepared and organized. Teacher presence is obvious in discussion forums Georgia Northwestern Technical College [12]

18 Course Content Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments Academic Content Standards and Assessments Sufficient learning resources and materials to increase student success are available. REF: COC CS ; COE E-13; TCSG Discussions Selfassessments Checklists Orientation Instructor promotes students understanding of course concepts through various interactions. Instructor includes important points in information resources (lectures, discussions, etc.). Tutorials Activities Policies and procedures External resource links Etc. Course Overview and Introduction A clear, complete course overview, syllabus and schedule are included in the course. REF: TCSG V.H Procedure Course Syllabus edure_course_syllabus.htm&s=s yllabus TCSG , COE E-7 The course syllabus is accurate, up-to-date and in correct format. Instructor conducts the course according to the expectations and schedule presented on the syllabus. Office hours are listed on syllabus as well as availability for consultation. (Consultations should be documented.) 2010 Georgia Northwestern Technical College [12]

19 Course Content Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments Course Overview and Introduction Course requirements are consistent with course goals, are representative of the scope of the course and are clearly stated. REF:COE E-7, TCSG Distance and Correspondence Education Policy Statement. The course requirements include: a timeframe for participation; an approximate time required for individual activities; expectations for communications, such as online discussion, synchronous chats and ; activity and other assignment expectations; and survey and/or exam expectations. The course is conducted so that students know on a daily/weekly basis what is expected of them. Instructor clearly and effectively explains concepts Georgia Northwestern Technical College [12]

20 Course Content Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments Course Overview and Introduction Information is provided to students on how to communicate with the online instructor, including information on the process for these communications. REF: COE E-14 and 15 Important dates are clearly indicated. This could be included in the course syllabus, in the course materials, or in the orientation to the course materials. Course includes important dates or milestones occurring during the course. Legal and Acceptable Use Policies Issues associated with the use of copyrighted materials are addressed. REF: COC Guideline in the Application of the Principles of Accreditation to Distance and Correspondence Education. The instructor has complied with the provisions of the TEACH Act and Fair Use laws and practices to avoid copyright infringement Georgia Northwestern Technical College [12]

21 Course Content Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments Legal and Acceptable Use Policies Academic integrity and netiquette expectations regarding lesson activities, discussions, (within 24 hours i.e. student s Friday at 4:30 should be answered by Monday at 4:30; operational hours are 7:45AM-4:15PM M-F) communications and plagiarism are clearly addressed. REF: TCSG , COE E-14, 15 The course includes guidelines for students on the use of copyrighted materials, appropriate use of networked resources and academic honesty The institution ensures timeliness and quality of its responses (synchronously or asynchronously) to students requests by placing a requirement on response time of no more than 24 hours within the institution s published operational schedule of the program/course. The operational hours of GNTC are 7:45AM-4:15PM Monday- Friday. Assessment and assignment feedback procedures are provided. REF: COC CS 3.4.5; COE E-7 Course assessments and feedback Checklist Rubrics Practice quizzes Etc Georgia Northwestern Technical College [12]

22 Online/Hybrid Course Development Guide & Review Category Two: Instructional Design Standard: The course uses learning activities that engage students in active learning; provides students with multiple learning paths to master the content based on student needs and demographic preferences; reflects multicultural sensitivity and is accurate, current and free of bias; and provides ample opportunities for student-to-student, student-to-instructor, and instructor-to-student interaction and communication. Course, Unit and Lesson Design Indicators The course is organized into study units, time periods, etc. Study units/time periods include an overview of learning objectives. Lessons include overview, content and activities, assignments, and assessments. Instructional Strategies and Activities Indicators The course instruction includes activities that engage students in active learning and provide multi-level opportunities for students to master content. Course design engages students in learning activities that address a variety of learning styles and preferences. The course provides opportunities for students to engage in higher-order thinking, critical reasoning activities, and thinking in increasingly complex ways. The course design reflects diversity and is free of bias. The course design allows for the instructor to adapt learning activities to accommodate students needs. Readability levels, written language assignments, and mathematical requirements are appropriate for the course Georgia Northwestern Technical College [19]

23 Communication and Interaction Indicators The course design provides opportunities for appropriate instructor-student interaction, including timely and frequent feedback about student progress. The course provides opportunities for appropriate instructor-student and studentstudent interaction to foster mastery and application of the material and a plan for monitoring interaction. Resources and Materials Indicators Students have access to multiple resources that enrich the course content Georgia Northwestern Technical College [20]

24 Online/Hybrid Course Development Guide & Review Instructional Design Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments Course Unit and Lesson Design The course is organized into study units, time periods, etc. COE E-7 Study units/time periods include an overview of learning objectives. COE E-7 Lessons include overview, content and activities, assignments and assessments. COE E-7 The course is organized by units or time periods with associated lessons contained within the units/time periods, modules, sessions, sections, etc. The lesson/unit overview: describes the learning objective. Describes the objectives, activities, assignments, assessments, estimated timeframe, and resources included in the lesson Georgia Northwestern Technical College [21]

25 Instructional Design Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments Instructional Strategies and Activities-Interaction should be apparent in Angel discussion forums. Other tools can be added as supplementary to the discussion forums. TCSG GVTC is clearinghouse for these courses and has invested in a course management system. The course instruction includes activities that engage students in active learning and provide multi-level opportunities for students to master content. COE E-14 Course Design engages students in learning activities that address a variety of learning styles and preferences. COE E-14 The course provides clear directions and structure as to expectations and deadlines with instructor input and monitoring. Learning activities may include: examples; case studies; simulations; research; a variety of reading and writing activities; visuals and graphics; discussions and labs; podcasts; streaming video; and audioscripted text. A learning style inventory may be included. Strategies that consider the different learning styles of students are used Georgia Northwestern Technical College [22]

26 Instructional Design Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments Instructional Strategies and Activities The course provides opportunities for students to engage in higher-order thinking, critical reasoning activities and thinking in increasingly complex ways. TCSG Supporting opinions with evidence from test and experience; higher-order thinking inquiries with a variety of questions; interpersonal and self-directional skills; critical and systems thinking (understanding the interconnections among systems); activities that require students to frame, analyze and solve problems, form opinions, and developmental models. Instructor promotes critical thinking in discussions as well as other areas. Instructor promotes positive interaction. The course design reflects diversity and is free of bias. Images Language Content Etc. The course design allows for the instructor to adapt learning activities to accommodate students needs. ADA, TCSG Students with disabilities 2010 Georgia Northwestern Technical College [23]

27 Instructional Design Considerations Partially Does Not Meet N/A Comments Instructional Strategies and Activities Readability levels, written language assignments, and mathematical requirements are appropriate for the course. TCSG , COE E-5 Sensitivity to readability issues, written language skills and mathematical requirements is demonstrated. Communication and Interaction The institution ensures timeliness and quality of its responses (synchronously or asynchronously) to students requests by placing a requirement on response time of no more than 24 hours within the institution s published operational schedule of the program/course. The operational hours of GNTC are 7:45AM-4:15PM Monday-Friday Georgia Northwestern Technical College [24]