Course Functionality & Presentation
Overview
The final standard ensures that all aspects of the course function properly and are presented in a user-friendly format, and that communication and course materials are professional, current, and relevant.
Summary of Evidence
Course materials are credible, current, and within the framework of the discipline.
Instructor communication is organized, professional, and within the framework of the discipline.
All external and embedded tools, links, videos, images, graphics, integrations, and other media function as intended.
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.
Rationale
Learners benefit from course content that functions as intended. Additionally, they are more likely to stay engaged in a course that is easy to use and cleanly organized. A final spot-check of all components of the course will help minimize barriers to access and student confusion while promoting course engagement.
Supporting Research
Lonsdale, Maria dos Santos, Qin, Xiaoxiao, Chen, Yun, Green, Heather, Algethami, Maha, Xu, Jiawen. The power of information design in enhancing the organization of information and course material in an online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Information Design Journal (IDJ), 01425471, 2022, Vol. 27, Issue 3
Checklist
These steps will help you build a course that meets proficiency in this standard.
Confirm that you have used design tools such as font colors and sizes, categories, tables, images, etc. in an accessible and consistent manner.
Confirm the accessibility of your course files and communication from the student view (test content with ReadSpeaker, etc.)
Organize your gradebook and course content in a clear and consistent manner.
Confirm that all links, videos, and other media function properly.
Confirm that your communication is organized, professional, and relevant to the subject.
Confirm the syllabus is complete and publish it.
Next-Level Recommendations
To advance your course design even more, consider these best practices:
Review your course using our quality course design rubric; invite colleagues to provide a secondary review.
Test course functionality and experience utilizing the Student View in Brightspace to look at your course homepage, course calendar, and content from the learner view.
Develop a system for students to report course typos, errors, or issues.
Utilize the W3C Link Checker to check links and anchors in web pages.
Building Guides
Use these resources to build course design elements in this standard.
