1. Evaluation Tools for Online Courses
September 2019

2. Spring 2019 Accreditation Visit produces recommendation
Title 5 Education Code changes for distance ed, in particular Effective Contact
Senate approves DE Best Practices updated document & recommendation for use of CDR.
§ Instructor Contact. In addition to the requirements of section and any locally established requirements applicable to all courses, district governing boards shall ensure that: (a) Any portion of a course conducted through distance education includes regular effective contact between instructor and students, and among students, either synchronously or asynchronously, through group or individual meetings, orientation and review sessions, supplemental seminar or study sessions, field trips, library workshops, telephone contact, voice mail, , or other activities. Regular effective contact is an academic and professional matter pursuant to sections et seq. (b) Any portion of a course provided through distance education is conducted consistent with guidelines issued by the Chancellor pursuant to section 409 of the Procedures and Standing Orders of the Board of Governors. Note: Authority cited: Sections and 70901, Education Code. Reference: Sections and 70902, Education Code.

3. Tools: Course Design Rubric
Course Design Rubric will help observers and evaluators to identify that course has aligned elements for effectiveness/quality.
Will allow deans and TFO’s to provide meaningful constructive feedback.
Jump start Gav goal is to have online courses awarded “Quality Reviewed” status for inclusion on “Exchange”

4. Tool: Assessment 4 areas Content Presentation Interaction Assessment
Accessibility
The 14 elements for quality course design in this section address how content is organized and accessed in the course management system. Key elements include course navigation, learning objectives, and access to student support information.
Interaction
The six elements in this section address instructor-initiated and student-initiated communication. Key elements of quality course design covered in this section include regular effective contact, both between and among instructors and students.
Assessment
The eight elements in this section address the variety and effectiveness of assessments
within the course. Key elements include the alignment of objectives and assessments,
the clarity of instructions for completing activities, and evidence of timely and regular
feedback.

5. Regular Effective Contact
Instructor to student
Syllabus
Announcements
Discussions
Feedback/Grades
Other:
Pre-course contact
Office hours/study groups
Anonymous surveys
Narrated lectures using Studo

6. Regular Effective Contact
Student to Instructor
Getting started module, identifying multiple methods of contact
Communication policies
Tutorial on iLearn (Canvas) mail
Notification of any delay in response times, absences
Contact is strongly encouraged to take place through Canvas

7. Regular Effective Contact
Student to Student
This part is new to regulation 55204
Well crafted discussion groups with meaningful exchange
Ice breaker intro assignment
Voluntary virtual study groups
Web lessons, live and recorded, with ability for student comments
Have I mentioned Studio?
Group projects or assignments
Have students create and share assignments (videos or other media)
Q & A guidance session on a specific assignment