Ensuring Quality in Online Programs
UWM has a well-established reputation for developing and delivering innovative, high-quality online programs. In order to ensure program quality, Online Program Administrators as well as faculty and staff involved in online program development and delivery are encouraged to:
- Be well versed in current effective practices regarding pedagogy, technology, and course design in online courses, including developing content, interactivity, and assessments. These effective practices include considerations of the Online Learning Consortium Five Pillars of Quality and the Higher Learning Commission Guidelines for Distance Education.
- Encourage appropriate faculty and staff to complete the faculty development program and certification. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) offers the UWM Online and Blended Teaching Program and the Online and Blended Teaching Certificate for teaching assistants, teaching academic staff, and faculty. Contact Dylan Barth for more information on upcoming cohorts.
- Develop an online program assessment and evaluation plan. One good example of a clear and succinct assessment plan for online environments was developed at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
- Attend meetings of the UWM Online Program Council (OPC) a network of administrators, faculty, and staff involved with developing and delivering online programs. Examples of some of the relevant presentations available through the OPC include the following:
- Become familiar with the many other campus resources available to support both student learning and instructional delivery in online and blended course modes, such as the following: