Course Standards

Course Instruction

Students are provided with organized and effective instructional materials that meet the following criteria:

1. Content reflects up-to-date theory and practice in the discipline.

2. Instructional materials directly align with and support course objectives.

3. A variety of teaching techniques and resources are used to accommodate diverse learning styles.

4. Third party resources, such as publisher content, are appropriately balanced with instructor created content.

Activities/Assignments

Student learning is assessed accurately through high-quality assignments and activities, which include:

1. Detailed instructions for all activities and assignments

2. Specific and detailed grading criteria such as rubrics.

3. An opportunity for formative activities prior to summative assignments.

4. A variety of assessment methods that represent diverse learning styles.

5. Third party resources are not the exclusive measure of course progress. (CFCC recommends instructors create at least 75% of their content)

Gradebook

Grades are recorded in the LMS using the electronic gradebook and are calculated accurately according to the syllabus. Grades are accurately reported at the end of each course.

Student Access to Current Grades

Instructors must grade assignments within 7 days of the due date, ensuring students have timely access to their current grades.

Course Template

Instructors shall complete all components of the course template, including but not limited to, providing contact information and facilitating enrollment verification when required.

Modules

All related content (such as course materials, activities, and assignments) is organized and grouped into modules that reflect an easy-to-understand course flow.

Clear Pacing and Communication

The course schedule and due dates are clearly communicated to students using tools like calendars, announcements, and pages.

Instructors reply to students' email or phone calls within 2 business days.

Clear Navigation

Navigation throughout the course is intuitive for students, with unnecessary menu items hidden to reduce confusion.

Accessibility

Course content is in compliance with ADA guidelines and includes items such as alternative text, captions, and alternative formats when needed. 

Academic Integrity and Data Privacy

The course fosters a safe digital learning environment by promoting data privacy, adherence to copyright law, and modeling academic integrity.

Regular Communication

The instructor delivers weekly announcements that incorporate course material and class progress. Announcements should include, but not limited to, elements of an academic nature such as frequently asked questions, extensions or clarification of course content, or prerequisite knowledge for an upcoming module.

Instructors are required to respond to student emails and LMS messages within 2 business days.

Student Feedback

Instructors must provide personalized feedback on assignments at least once per week, tailored to each student’s learning progress. For students who have mastered the content, feedback should highlight the skills they should continue to apply and/or offer extensions for further learning.

Interactions

The course facilitates meaningful peer-to-peer and teacher-to-student interactions, such as through discussion boards, group projects, or live sessions.