Quality Course Design Standards

STANDARD 1: Navigation & Course Components

• 1.1 The course utilizes the institutionally-adopted LMS (Brightspace) and College-supported course tools.

• 1.2 The course utilizes the appropriate course elements (syllabus, grade book, attendance register, IDEA survey, course template etc.) for its modality (Online, F2F, CBE, Z-Degree, etc.).

• 1.3 The instructor welcome page and introductory communication (course overview, welcome announcement, etc.) are utilized to familiarize the learner with the course and instructor.

• 1.4 Course materials, activities, and assessments are added as content items. Titling and descriptions clearly explain where each link will take learners and how to proceed through the course.

• 1.5 The course utilizes Brightspace system-level dates (start dates, due dates, and/or end dates) to communicate important dates to learners via the course content and Brightspace calendar tool.

STANDARD 2: Instructor Presence

• 2.1 The course design provides avenues for instructor-initated interaction (frequent, consistent, course-related, etc.) in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education requirement for Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) in distance courses.

STANDARD 3: Resource Requirements & Technical Support

• 3.1 Technology, media, and course material requirements that exceed the minimum technical requirements outlined in the College Catalog are communicated to the students and supported by course resources.

STANDARD 4: Equal Access & Inclusion

• 4.1 Course materials and instructor communication are free of bias and discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status in accordance with the College's Nondiscrimination Statement.

• 4.2 Course materials, activities, and assessments promote equal access by ensuring that files, media, text, and all other content meets accessibility guidelines in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

STANDARD 5: Instruction & Assessment

• 5.1 Learners are provided with sufficient, varied forms of direct instruction (text/video lectures, readings, etc.) in accordance with Iowa Code credit hour requirements as outlined in the Credit Hour Policy.

• 5.2 Learners are provided with sufficient, varied forms of indirect instruction (formative practice, discussions, assignments, etc.) in accordance with Iowa Code credit hour requirements as outlined in the Credit Hour Policy.

• 5.3 Learners are provided with summative assessments in a manner that promotes academic integrity and compliance with the NICC Student Code of Conduct.

• 5.4 Learning activity instructions are clear and specific and descriptive evaluation criteria are provided (i.e. rubrics).

STANDARD 6: Course Alignment

• 6.1 The syllabus confirms alignment of course content to the course guide, course calendar to LMS dates, and alignment of the grading scale and criteria to the LMS grade book.

• 6.2 The course employs the College-wide CLO rubric and any program and/or department-adopted assessments and measurements.

STANDARD 7: Copyright Requirements

• 7.1 Course content presented in Brightspace complies with copyright law and related college policies, and includes proper attribution when necessary.

STANDARD 8: Course Functionality & Presentation

• 8.1 Course materials are credible, current, and within the framework of the discipline.

• 8.2 Instructor communication is organized, professional, and within the framework of the discipline.

• 8.3 All external and embedded tools, links, videos, images, graphics, integrations, and other media function as intended.

• 8.4 The course design and grade book are organized and uncluttered. Design tools (Brightspace text editor, categories, etc.) are utilized effectively to create an engaging, user-friendly learner experience.