Online Course Review
As required by SACSCOC, all ETSU online courses must undergo reviews to ensure best practices and sound instructional design. These reviews focus on structure, organization, accessibility, interaction, presence and instructional design. All courses should be evaluated using the Online Course Scoring Rubric on a three-year basis regardless of whether the faculty member seeks extra compensation. The review can be conducted by Academic Technology Services or the Online Liaison faculty member from the developing college.
Online courses are reviewed using the Online Course Scoring Rubric, developed by the Online Liaison group. The Online Course Scoring Rubric consist of two sections, (A) course requirements and (B) the scoring matrix for guidelines and best practices. All course requirements must be present in any completed ETSU online course. Elements in section (B) will be scored to evaluate the completed course. A minimum score of 66% is required for approval . A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is not required to pass an online course review.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for online courses is an agreement between Information Technology Services and the faculty member and department developing the online course. The MOU encompasses two pieces, the online course review and possible compensation for the faculty member developing the course. New online faculty are encouraged to contact Information Technology Services before they begin developing an online course. We can provide basic advice and instructional design assistance that will aid in the development process.
-
What Qualifies for an MOU?
New online courses must be approved through the University’s Curriculum Process System. Extra compensation will not be paid for experimental courses, special topics or independent study courses. Courses that do not require traditional development may be assessed for eligibility by the ETSU Online Liaisons on a case by case basis. These courses include but are not limited to clinicals, practicums, test preparation, field placements, and courses where the majority of instructional material has been developed by a third party (e.g. course packs from publishers). These courses may not be eligible for compensation, or may only be eligible for partial compensation, as determined by the ETSU Online Liaisons.
The specified course must be offered at least three times during a three year period. Semesters taught prior to course approval will not count toward the three time requirement. It is the department's responsibility to ensure that the course is offered for the agreed upon period. If the course is not offered at least three times during a three year period, it is the department’s responsibility to reimburse ETSU Online for the extra compensation paid to the faculty member who developed the course.
Course instructors and their departments must assure that the course material is current; i.e., having been reviewed within the last six months. Instructors may request peer reviews at any time. ITS reserves the right to review the course annually to ensure that it has been maintained in accordance with these guidelines.
-
Online Course Scoring Rubric
The Online Course Scoring Rubric consist of two sections, (A) course requirements and (B) the scoring matrix for guidelines and best practices. All course requirements must be present in any completed ETSU online course. Elements in section (B) will be scored to evaluate the completed course. A minimum score of 66% is required for approval.
This detailed rubric breaks down the expectations for the scored sections of an online course review, including common elements and examples: Online Course Scoring Rubric
-
Online Course Development Compensation
The purpose of extra compensation is to remunerate course developers. Extra compensation for developing an online course is separate from any additional responsibilities required of the instructor of record while teaching the course. The extra compensation for development is limited to a maximum of $3500 per course for newly developed, fully-online courses and a maximum of $3000 for new online courses that require students to meet synchronously (either online or in-person) for any reason. Extra compensation for the development of fully synchronous online courses is limited to a maximum of $1500 per course.
New online courses must be approved through the University’s Curriculum Process System. Extra compensation will not be paid for experimental courses, special topics or independent study courses. Courses that do not require traditional development may be assessed for eligibility by the ETSU Online Liaison group on a case by case basis. These courses include but are not limited to clinicals, practicums, test preparation, field placements, and courses where the majority of instructional material has been developed by a third party (e.g. course packs from publishers). These courses may not be eligible for compensation, or may only be eligible for partial compensation, as determined by the ETSU Online Liaison group.
Compensation for approved courses will be awarded on a tiered system based on the evaluated score.
Fully Asynchronous Required Synchronous Sessions Fully Synchronous Level 5 (Excellent) - $3500* Level 5 (Excellent) - $3000* Level 5 (Excellent) - $1500* Level 4 (Good) - $2500 Level 4 (Good) - $2000 Level 4 (Good) - $1000 Level 3 (Standard) - $1500 Level 3 (Standard) - $1000 Level 3 (Standard) - $500 Level 2 (Acceptable) - $0 Level 2 (Acceptable) - $0 Level 2 (Acceptable) - $0 Tier Required Score Level 5 (Excellent)* 96% - 100% and approval from the Online Liaison group Level 4 (Good) 86% - 95% Level 3 (Standard) 76% - 85% Level 2 (Acceptable) 66% - 75% Level 1 (Revisions Required) 0% - 65% *Level 5 ratings are considered to be the very best examples of an online course and require a great deal of time to develop. Courses that score in the excellent category will be holistically evaluated by the Online Liaison group for final approval for the highest possible compensation.
-
Redevelopment of Online Courses
Courses are always evolving so it is proper to add, edit and reevaluate material in your online course from semester to semester. Online courses which have been previously approved can be submitted for redevelopment every three years. The purpose of extra compensation for redevelopment is to remunerate course developers for major updates or significant changes to the online learning environment and delivery. Extra compensation is not awarded for added, edited or reevaluated course material which should constantly evolve from one semester to the next. For example, updating information from one text book to a new text would not constitute a redevelopment MOU. Extra compensation for redeveloping an online course is separate from any additional responsibilities required of the instructor of record while teaching the course. The extra compensation for redevelopment is $1000 per approved course.
-
MOU Process Timeline
Instructors have one year from the time paperwork is submitted to develop their courses, submit them for review, and make any required or suggested changes. The following timeline is an example of the MOU process; however, other options are available. Please reach out the Online Programs Support Coordinator if you have questions about the timeline.
Sample MOU Timeline:
- January: Complete and submit MOU paperwork. This will be approved by the department chair and ITS, and you will receive an email letting you know that you may proceed with development.
- February-July: We recommend around six months as a timeline for developing course content. This can be in a development site, which can be requested from ATS, or in a live site that you are teaching in a given semester. When you have completed development, reply to the initial email that your course is ready for review, and it will be added to the queue.
- August: Your course will be reviewed using the online course review rubric. You will receive a copy of the rubric indicating required and suggested changes, your initial score, and comments. After receiving the rubric, you can reach out to the Online Programs Support Coordinator with questions about your score, or to the Instructional Design Coordinator for assistance with the revisions.
- September: Once revisions are complete, you will reply to the email to indicate that revisions
are complete. The revisions will be reviewed and, assuming all required changes have
been made, you will receive your final score. You have the option to make further
suggested changes to improve your score, or you will reply to the email a final time
to accept the score.
- Note: If the course has received a five star review, it must be approved by the Online Liaisons before you receive final approval. Online Liaisons meet monthly between September and May, and this process may add up to four weeks to the approval timeline.
- October: You will receive paperwork from HR to process your stipend. The amount should appear on the paycheck at the end of the month following approval.
-
MOU Forms
Guidelines and possible compensation for ETSU online courses is determined by the delivery format. Courses fully delivered through synchronous systems with set meeting times should use the Synchronous MOU form. Courses delivered asynchronously or courses with a few required synchronous sessions should use the Asynchronous MOU form. Courses which have been approved previously can apply for a redevelopment review using the Redevelopment MOU once every three years.
ETSU Memorandum of Understanding Asynchronous Online Course
ETSU Memorandum of Understanding Synchronous Online Course
ETSU Memorandum of Understanding Online Course Redevelopment
What's New in the Latest Revision?
2023 - This update adds required elements for information security and privacy statements. Access legacy MOU forms here.
Online Course Development and Support
ATS has several services to support online course developers at any stage in the process. For more information, select our Online Course Development and Support page or reach out to ATS for individual or group consultations.
Academic Technology Services
118 Sherrod Library
(423) 439-8611
ats@etsu.edu
College Compliance Reports
Chairs and Deans: Access up-to-date information for online training compliance, active and approved MOUs, and online courses that are out of compliance for your college.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does my course have to be approved before it can be taught?
No. All online courses must meet minimum standards but this review process will not stop a course from being delivered. However, working with ATS early on in the development process allows us to catch issues and concerns as they come up. -
What about online courses developed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
While you are certainly welcome to submit an MOU for an online course developed during the pandemic, these courses do not require MOUs; however, all online courses should be reviewed for minumum standards. See "What Qualifies for an MOU?" above for more details. -
How long does the development process take?
It depends on many factors, such as how much content has already been created and how experienced the developer is with the tools available. Generally, we recommend six months to develop an online course. -
What should my course look like in GoldLink?
Online courses must be designated in Banner to appear correctly to students and be built properly in the system. Visit this course building guide for assistance and please contact us or the Office of the Registrar if you have questions about building online courses in GoldLink. -
What qualifies as an online course?
What courses can be taught online is determined by your college and department. While the delivery method does not need special approval, all online courses must be reviewed. -
When can an MOU be submitted?
Courses must be fully developed before they are officially reviewed. This includes all instructor content, supplemental content, interactive elements, assessments, the gradebook, etc. ATS can assist with course development at all stages. Generally, courses should be fully developed and reviewed before they are taught but this is not a requirement. -
What about copyright information?
With virtual classrooms, D2L and all the technology at our disposal, it's easier than ever to copy and distribute materials. However, the question of what we are allowed to copy and share is not as easy to answer. Technology changes quickly and laws change slowly. How does a law that allows you to make one xerox copy of a handout translate to today's digital age of audio and video? It can be very hard to know. Faculty in the Sherrod Library have set up a website with information, answers, and examples to help you understand what you can copy and how you can distribute it to your students.