Center for Instructional Design
Contact: cid@cmich.edu

Quality Assurance Checklist

 

Please review and evaluate your course with the following scale:

 

Course Number: Course Title:
Developer: Developer's E-mail:
Blackboard Course ID:

 

Type of Development:   New Development Revision

 

I. Course Structure

 

  Yes No N/A
1. The course follows guidelines and format of the Master Course Syllabus.
2. The course covers the same topics as the face-to-face format with appropriate learning materials, activities, and assessments for online.
3. The course shell follows the online course development structure.
4. The course is easy to navigate and the course items/activities are easy to locate.
5. The course content is organized by weeks/modules.
6. Course assignments and activities are equally distributed throughout the semester.
7. Appropriate tools are used to support course activities/assignments.
8. Assignment submission mechanisms, activity instructions, and grade center setup are consistent with the course syllabus.

 

II. Online Syllabus

 

  Yes No N/A
9. Instructor’s contact information is presented, including e-mail, phone number, office hours, and professional background.
10. Textbook information (with ISBN) and/or other required materials are identified.
11. Course outline on weekly reading, learning activities, and assessments is provided.
12. Expected turn-around time in responding to students’ e-mails (e.g., within 24 hours or between 24 - 48 hours) is stated.
13. Expected time for students to receive feedback on assignments, discussion postings, papers, exams, etc., (e.g., in 3-5 days or in a week) is stated.
14. Methods for communicating with students about course updates and changes via announcements, e-mail, etc. are stated.
15. Methods for communicating with students about their progress in the course and feedback via “Course Grades” are stated.
16. Expectations of students’ responsibilities are clearly stated (e.g., self-discipline, checking e-mails, responding to discussion forums, etc.)
17. Descriptions and deadlines of assignments, projects, discussion board responses, chat sessions, activities, quizzes, exams, etc. are provided.
18. The number of points for each assignment and a final course grading scale (in percentages) are presented.
19. Students are directed to “Online Course Info.” for assistance and resources (e.g., Helpdesk, CMU Online, Blackboard Tutorials, signing up for proctors, etc.)
20. Policies (including late submissions, incompletes, ADA, and academic integrity, etc.) are stated.

 

III. Content and its Usability

 

  Yes No N/A
21. The course introduction provides an overview of the course and gives clear directions for getting started.
22. Overview of weekly learning objectives, tasks, learning materials and activities is presented.
23. Each folder contains clear descriptions of its content.
24. Each content item has a clear title and description.
25. Text color, font size, and type are consistent throughout the course with proper headings and formats.
26. Graphics and images are relevant to the course content.
27. Lengthy course materials are broken into manageable segments.
28. The course materials are presented to students by topics with appropriate formats for online delivery (e.g., lecture notes with visual enhancements, PowerPoint presentations with narrations, audios, videos, simulations, and other media).
29. External resources relevant to the course content are available.
30. Links are given to download free plug-ins/software/players.
31. Appropriate copyright permission is obtained for articles, images, audio and video clips, and other media used in the course.

 

IV. Learning Community

 

  Yes No N/A
32. An announcement welcomes and directs students to the course introduction and syllabus.
33. Course introduction is provided to establish instructor’s presence and to create a positive online learning environment.
34. Different avenues for interaction (e.g., discussion board, chat, blog, journal, wiki, e-mail, phone, etc.) among faculty and students are provided.
35. Group assignments (e.g., collaborative research, case studies, group presentations, etc.) are provided to achieve learning outcomes.
36. Students are engaged in peer activities (e.g., peer reviews, peer critiques, peer evaluations, etc.).
37. Guest speakers (e.g., professionals in the field, community leaders, practitioners, etc.) are included in the course.

 

V. Assessment

 

  Yes No N/A
38. Multiple assessment methods are used in the course.  
39. Assessment methods are consistent with course objectives and learning outcomes.
40. The number, length, and depth of assessments are adequate to measure the course objectives and learning outcomes.
41. Evaluation criteria (for measuring the quality and quantity of assignments, discussion postings, projects, exams, etc.) are clearly communicated with students through grading rubrics and/or guidelines.
42. Threaded discussions are graded components of the course.
43. Real-world applications (e.g., case studies, problem-solving scenarios, etc.) are a part of the assessment.
44. Opportunities for self-assessment (e.g., practice quizzes, study questions, etc.) are provided.
45. Random block and secured settings are used for standardized/objective quizzes/tests/exams.

 

VI. Additional Comments