Purpose of this form: Chair Evaluation

This form is to be completed by the Department Chair. (The completed form must be submitted to the Dean of Extended and Distance Education and a paper copy sent to  the Course Developer.)

The Online Course Assessment Form has been developed for the Online Course Committee to serve as a guide for best practices and design in the development of online courses and programs. This form will serve as a tool for formative evaluation of the online course/program efforts. 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 APSU Distance Education as well as areas of strengths and weaknesses to guide further development efforts for online course development.

Course Developer Name:

Reviewer Name:

Department Name:

APSU Course Number:

Developer E-mail Address:    

Work Phone Number:

Date Submitted:

Instructions to the Reviewer:
First, enter the APSU/Blackboard website and navigate to the course you wish to review. Take on the role of a student of the course (if you need a student account please contact the Distance Education Coordinator). Note your reactions concerning the various features of the course, including the design standards that have been approved by the APSU Online Course Committee, APSU Syllabus, Blackboard 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. 

APSU REVIEWER:

- Yes No Is your course designed and developed using the Blackboard Format? (Any additional entries to the navigation bar have been added at the bottom)
- Yes No Is your course Syllabus developed using the Blackboard Template? (The instructor contact information refers to the reader to the instructor contact page rather than including specific information on the syllabus. No dates are listed in the syllabus.)

1.  Are the following items noted in the course syllabus:

- Yes No a. Expectations for student outcomes are clearly defined.
- Yes No b. Instructions are clearly stated regarding course organization.
- Yes No c. Instructor's information is generic in anticipation that the course may be used by multiples professors.
- Yes No d. Grading procedures are clearly presented.
- Yes No 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)

- 1 2 3 9 a. Orientation to specific features and procedures for this course.
- 1 2 3 9 b. Ease of navigation within course.
- 1 2 3 9 c. Ease of finding information within the course.
- 1 2 3 9 d. Explanation of how assignments are to be submitted (email attachment or assignment drop box).
- 1 2 3 9 e. External  links to the Internet should always open a new browser window.
- 1 2 3 9 f.  Presentation of reading materials (recommended normal font for APSU is Verdana 10 pt.)
- 1 2 3 9 g. Judicious use of graphics (e.g., support content, quality, appeal, ADA, download speeds). Every graphic has an ALT tag.
- 1 2 3 9 h. Use of audio and visual (e.g., appropriate use; clarity, consistency, appeal). Every media clip has a alternative text equivalent.
- 1 2 3 9 i.  Use of learner support features (e.g., help menus, glossary, calendar, search, etc.).
- 1 2 3 9 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)

- 1 2 3 9 a. Interactivity of instructional activities (e.g., simulations, learner manipulation of variables, virtual labs etc.).
- 1 2 3 9 b. Student interaction capabilities with other students (e.g., online threaded discussions, peer feedback, group/joint projects etc).
- 1 2 3 9 c. Integration of other instructional components: Streaming Video, Flash, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. with course.
- 1 2 3 9 d. Links to outside resources: libraries, resource centers, opportunities to network with subject matter experts, etc.
- 1 2 3 9 e. Adaptability to different learning styles: use of multiple modalities, range of response styles, activities, etc.
- 1 2 3 9 f.  Use of embedded assessment (i.e. integrated with instruction).
- 1 2 3 9 g. A statement relative to instructor commitment to appropriate feedback and grading response times is included.
- 1 2 3 9 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 modifications in consultation with APSU staff
No, major modifications are needed. Please contact me immediately!

If modifications are need, please explain:

Best Practices
In what ways, if any, do you believe that this course represents an important innovation or advance in online education?

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