Quality Criteria Rationale
The Quality Criteria for Digital/Online Learning were developed to help ensure that learning in digital and online spaces at Cambrian is student-centred and consistently follows Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) best practices. The quality criteria were developed after researching online and digital best practices in teaching and learning, reviewing other similar metrics, and consulting with many Cambrian faculty, staff, and academic leaders.
This guide specifically focuses on digital/online teaching and learning and can be used in several ways. Faculty can use the guide for self- or peer-review of existing courses or to guide the development of new online content and teaching practices. It contains both required and recommended criteria. The bronze-level criteria are required and include the minimum presence requirements for all online content and interactions with students in Moodle or other online spaces.
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Quality Criteria for Digital/Online Learning [Word 26 KB]
PD Sessions
You can self-enroll to the Quality Criteria for Digital/Online Learning Professional Development Page [Moodle] to view recorded PD sessions and achieve a certificate of completion.
Required and Recommended Criteria
Bronze (Required): Online content in all Moodle courses must meet these minimum-standard requirements.
Silver (Strongly Recommended): These items are strongly recommended and are especially important for fully online and hyflex courses.
Gold (Recommended): These items are recommended best practices.
Quick Links
Course Overview
The course overview contains important elements that contribute to a positive and effective experience for students in an online learning environment. It helps students become orientated and engaged in the course and provides expectations for online behaviour and communication.
Accessibility
The accessibility of course materials and contents is crucial for all students, including those with visual impairments or other disabilities. These items ensure the course incorporates relevant accessibility measures and follows institutional policy regarding accessibility standards.
Navigation & Organization
Well-designed online content can help students access and understand important course information. This ensures that students can easily locate the information and materials they need to be successful.
Assessments
Assessments are an integral component of any course, as they measure the extent to which students have met the learning outcomes. These items address the design and implementation of assessments and ensure grading policies and procedures are communicated to students.
Content & Activities
These items encompass the design and delivery of the course content to ensure that it meets copyright regulations, is diverse and inclusive, and supports student learning and skill development.
Technology
All courses should specify the necessary technology and equipment and guide students on how to use technology, software, and digital resources. This enables students to better prepare and engage with the course materials more effectively.