Unless you are notified otherwise, once you click submit, you should allow 3-4 weeks for course reviewers to complete each course review.
Quality Essentials Course Review
Introducing Quality Essentials Review
With guidance from the Online Learning Advisory Council and recipients of the Excellence in Online Teaching Award, an internal course review process has been established based on the Quality Essentials standards. Using this process, faculty are able to conduct a detailed self-review of their own courses, then submit that review for additional review and feedback by a CITL staff member. Courses that meet all the Quality Essentials are recognized as NIU quality essentials online courses.
See review details for information on submitting your course for review!
Review Details
A course that meets research-based quality design standards is more likely to support student success. The review phase of Quality Essentials provides NIU faculty an opportunity to examine and strengthen the quality of their online courses while receiving targeted feedback from a trained CITL course reviewer.
Begin by enrolling in the Quality Essentials course within Blackboard. A guided self-review prompts you to determine if each of the Quality Essential standards has been met and where related course elements can be found. Upon completion of the self-review, you can optionally “Submit” the form to request a formal course review. Once requested, a trained CITL staff member is assigned to review both the course and the completed self-review, provide feedback, and verify that the course meets all 29 Quality Essential standards.
Review Process
The Blackboard-based course review provides clear guidance and personalized feedback. Throughout the process, you have access to additional resources and individualized support as needed. The basic workflow of the review process includes:
- Self-enroll in the Quality Essentials course within Blackboard.
- Complete the self-review using the Quality Essentials standards.
- Respond to brief supplemental questions if requesting a formal course review.
- Submit the request for the course review directly in Blackboard.
- Receive feedback from an assigned CITL course reviewer.
- Receive recognition for quality when all Essential standards are met.
Benefits to Quality Essentials Review
- Qualified courses will be recognized with a course badge which can be displayed on the course banner or course syllabus
- Department leadership will be formally notified by the Office of the Provost of the accomplishment and the designation of the course as meeting Quality Essentials standards.
- Faculty and courses will receive positive acknowledgement and recognition with other NIU quality essentials online courses.
- Documentation will be provided to faculty on their achievement and commitment to quality course design for the tenure track review process.
- Faculty and courses can proceed to higher levels of recognition, including the Exemplary Course Program and the NIU’s Excellence in Online Teaching Award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, regardless of the review outcome, faculty can expect to receive personalized feedback on their overall course design.
After you submit your Quality Essentials application for review, you will receive email alerts at the email address you provided with status changes.
Additional information or general clarification may be necessary to move forward with the review process.
Yes, faculty must meet all 29 of the NIU Essential standards to receive the Quality Essentials recognition.
The essential standards represent a minimum standard of quality. The NIU Essential standards must all be met for faculty to achieve the Quality Essentials recognition. The Exemplary standards, while encouraged, are not required.
Quality Essential Standards are derived from the Online Learning Consortium’s (OLC) Course Review Scorecard. Quality Essentials standards are used to design and assess NIU courses with a strong digital presence.
Revisions are encouraged. There are no limitations on review attempts.
Yes, faculty may have multiple courses reviewed.
The Quality Essentials badge is valid for 3 years. Faculty are encouraged to review the Quality Essentials standards and update their course accordingly. Faculty may revise and resubmit once the Quality Essentials recognition has expired.
Upon successful completion of the Quality Essentials course review process, faculty are encouraged to continue to assess and improve their course quality. Faculty may consider focusing on the Quality Essentials Exemplary standards in preparation for the Blackboard Exemplary Course Program.
Contact the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) at 815-753-0595 or email citl@niu.edu.