Chico State Rubric for Online Instruction - Erica Preston

Here are some of the key components I took away from this rubric, and how they can be applied to a distance course:

Ease of navigation is critical in course design. Having easily visible and accessible components, grouped accordingly, helps the user find things without having to search too hard. For example, a simple left-hand navigation menu that clearly spells out different sections; the contents of each section becomes visible in the main body area to the right of the menu bar, once the menu selection is clicked. The menu should stay static so that it is always visible. All internal and external links should work properly, so that the user gets the information they need and is not frustrated by hitting a brick wall.

Design aesthetics are also quite important, and can be used to engage the user with colors and images, and also can be used to help with a clean, easy-to-navigate online space as noted above. The user may be inclined to spend more time on the site if they enjoy the experience it provides them.

Interaction is a great design and delivery tool for online courses. The ability to have synchronous and asynchronous discussions, collaboration and sharing can be made available through the use of tools within web conferencing software such as chat, microphone privileges, whiteboards, breakout rooms and screen sharing; blogs and discussion forums; and of course email.

The use of multimedia within online courses can enhance the learning experience. Such media includes video, sound, PowerPoint, electronic job aids, screenshots, websites using screen share or external links, sample practice-by-doing software, etc.

Assessment strategies are important to make sure that the content presented is relevant to, well-received and absorbed by the learners. This can be accomplished in a distance course by the use of on-the-spot polls, mini-assignments, and feedback to the learners by the facilitator on their progress.

Student feedback is always helpful in strengthening a course for the next time it's taught (or even during). Ways this can be accomplished is with an open-forum discussion, a poll, or an anonymous survey. I included a post-lesson survey in my current syllabus.