Online Course Assessment

Regents Online Degree Program Online Course Assessment--RODP Reviewer's Form

Purpose of this form: The RODP Assessment Form has been developed by the RODP Curriculum Committee to serve as a guide for best practices and design in the development of Regents Online Degree Program (RODP). This form will serve as a tool for formative evaluation of the RODP efforts. In addition, outside experts will review and provide feedback on the program through use of this form. Please note that this form is not designed for comparison of specific individual courses since reliability and validity have not been established for such purposes. In addition, this form is not designed to assess the content of the courses. However, it is designed to provide an overall indication of the types of courses being designed for the RODP as well as areas of strengths and weaknesses to guide further development efforts for RODP course development. This form is to be completed by the Course Reviewer, NOT the Developer.
Instructions to the Reviewer: First, enter the RODP-WebCT website and navigate to the courseware that has been identified as the focus of this review. Next, enter into the course system and navigate further, taking on the role of a learner or user of the system. Note your reactions concerning the various features of the courseware, including the design standards that have been approved by the RODP Curriculum Committee, RODP WebCT Template, RODP Syllabus, WebCT Navigation Bar Categories, online orientation, ease of use, asynchronous activities, level of involvement and interaction of the learner, library resources, the adaptability of the system to a learner, ADA, and the type of feedback (summative and formative) the learner receives. Once you feel you have reviewed the courseware sufficiently to form judgments of the design quality, then complete the assessment items below.
RODP Reviewer Name:
RODP Reviewer Title:
Reviewer E-mail Address:
Work Phone Number:
Institution:
RODP Reviewer--review date
RODP Online Course Title:
Course Number:
Faculty Developer Name:
RODP REVIEWER: Is your course designed and developed using the RODP WebCT Format? Is your course Syllabus developed using the RODP Template?
1. Are the following items noted in the course syllabus: a. Expectations for student outcomes are clearly defined. b. Instructions are clearly stated regarding course organization. c. Instructor's information is clearly defined. d. Grading procedures are clearly presented. e. Textbook information is correct and posted.
2. Please assess each of the following features of the online courseware. Assessment Scale: 1 = Appropriate 2 = Needs additional clarification / minor modifications (please note comments) 3 = Recommendation for improvement / enhancement before hosting (comments are requested) 9 = Not Observed/ Not Applicable (be sure to comment if you feel that this element or item should be present in the course) a. Orientation to Web-based instruction included in course or linked to tutorial (provides introduction to the learner about use of on-line instruction, and about specific features, procedures, etc.). b. Ease of navigation within course. c. Ease of finding information within the course. d. Inclusion of instructions for uploading/downloading files and documents: (as required in the course for submitting course assignments) e. Ease of moving out of WebCT to the Internet (from hyperlinks inside the course) -- and the ease of returning back from the Internet to the course: Directions are noted to help the learner to understand that hyperlinks will take them out of the WebCT course and the directions to use the “back arrow or buttons” to return from the Internet to the course. f. Presentation of reading materials (recommended font for RODP is Arial 10 pt.) g. Judicious use of graphics (e.g., support content, quality, appeal, ADA, download speeds) h. Use of audio and visual (e.g., appropriate use; clarity, consistency, appeal): i. Use of learner support features (e.g., help menus, glossary, calendar, search, etc.). j. Course features are designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Comments: please identify and rate any other features that are pertinent.
3. Please assess each of the following elements of the instructional approach and activities presented throughout the course. Assessment Scale: 1 = Appropriate 2 = Needs additional clarification / minor modifications (please note comments) 3 = Recommendation for improvement / enhancement before hosting (comments are requested) 9 = Not Observed/ Not Applicable (be sure to comment if you feel that this element or item should be present in the course) a. Interactivity of instructional activities (e.g., simulations, learner manipulation of variables, virtual labs etc.). b. Student interaction capabilities with other students (e.g., online threaded discussions, peer feedback, group/joint projects etc). c. Integration of other instructional components: Streaming Video (not downloading), Flash, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. with course. d. Links to outside resources: libraries, resource centers, opportunities to network with subject matter experts, etc. e. Adaptability to different learning styles: use of multiple modalities, range of response styles, activities, etc. f. Use of embedded assessment (i.e. integrated with instruction). g. Instructor contact information is clearly stated, as well as, feedback and response times to students on course progress. h. Activities and assignments to promote the asynchronous format are included in course design. Comments: please identify and rate any other features that are pertinent.
Summary: Overall, is this course ready for hosting and presentation? Yes Yes, with minor modification (does not require a review by panel) No, major modification, clarification, etc. are recommended (requires review by panel before hosting)
If Modifications/No, state the areas for improvement and ways to assist the developer:
Best Practices In what ways, if any, do you believe that this course represents an important innovation or advance in online education? If none please enter N/A.

Thank you for your feedback and suggestions. Your assessment information will be shared with the course developer for course enhancement. When you press submit this form will be sent to Dr. Robbie Kendall-Melton. This process will also display a printable copy for your records.