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Technical Course Review

Overview

In 2006, the Distance Learning Department (now E-Learning Services) and the Distance Learning Advisory Committee recognized the need for an evaluation of online course offerings. This evaluation would ensure that all online course offerings, regardless of instructor or discipline, would meet a common level of acceptability regarding seven key areas which include:

  1. Course overview and introduction;
  2. Learning objectives and assessment;
  3. Resources and materials;
  4. Learner interaction;
  5. Course technology;
  6. Learner support;
  7. ADA compliance.

The technical course review ensures that online courses adhere to commonly accepted standards of practice for online courses, ensuring our online students a course experience that is at least as good as our campus-based courses. The technical course review is not an assessment of the instructor but rather a review of the technical aspects of online courses.

The Review Process

The process includes the following steps:

  1. The instructor makes a backup of the course being reviewed;
  2. The file is sent to E-Learning Services where it is restored into a blank shell;
  3. Review team members are added to the course as TAs;
  4. The review team evaluates the course using the Technical Course Review Rubric;
  5. Findings are compiled and sent to the instructor/designer;
  6. Critical concerns are discussed with the instructor/designer to determine if follow-up action is required;
  7. Upon review completion, a memo is sent to the department chair and the course is queued for follow-up review every three years.

The Review Team

The review team is composed of online faculty experienced in developing and teaching online courses. All members of the review team will have had at least one of their courses previously reviewed using the Technical Course Review Rubric. The instructor/designer of the course undergoing review plays a key role in the review process, answering questions and providing background on course construction and delivery.

The Review Form

The Technical Course Review Rubric form is a rubric based on the Quality Matters Project "...a faculty-centered, peer review process designed to certify the quality of online courses and online components (Quality Matters Web site)."

The Technical Course Review Form was developed by the PT-ID team in 2006 and has been in use since spring 2007. By Spring 2008, 11 courses had undergone a technical review. During this time, the rubric underwent numerous revisions based on evaluation criteria and feedback from course reviewers and instructors/designers. The goal of E-Learning Services is to review all current online courses during full terms. Courses will then be re-evaluated every three years or after significant updating by the instructor/designer.

The Technical Course Review Form is divided into seven sections, with each section subdivided into several standards. Course reviewers evaluate each area of an online course using the standards provided in the rubric. Any critical concerns noted by a reviewer are discussed by the review team and the instructor/designer to determine methods for resolution.

Additional Information

For additional information on the Technical Course Review Process please contact:

Dr. Jeffrey Getchell, Director, E-Learning Services
jgetchell@delmar.edu
361-698-1980 (campus x1980)