Online Course Design Framework
Framework Structure
The Online Course Design Framework (OCDF) is organized into three distinct quality checklists: Accessible, Essential, and Advanced. Each checklist has its own tab in this document and they build upon one another to support a scaffolded approach to course development and review.
person circle check Accessible Design: Ensures all course content and media meet accessibility standards, supporting an inclusive learning environment that’s usable and navigable for all students.
cubes stacked Essential Design: Establishes a clear, consistent foundation in D2L Brightspace with organized content, key course information, and accessible tools to support student success from the start.
star Advanced Design: Enhances the learning experience through clear structure, engaging content, diverse assessments, and inclusive design, while aligning all elements to support student success and deeper learning.
Minimum Expectations
All courses taught at PCC are expected to meet the Accessible Design criteria per the Accessible Technology Policy. It is highly recommended that courses in online modalities also meet Essential Design criteria to support federal requirements for student academic engagement and regular and substantive interaction. All courses that undergo a Signature Development project with the Instructional Design team are designed to meet the Advanced Criteria of the Online Course Design Framework. The OCDF Guidebook outlines the criteria and also provides detailed guidance for putting the framework into practice. For each criterion, you’ll find additional explanation, examples, recommendations, and resources to help you understand what the criterion looks like in an online course and how to address it in D2L Brightspace. When you’re ready to apply the framework to a course, use the Online Course Design Framework Worksheet. It is designed for active course review, with space to score each criterion, record notes and feedback, and identify areas for improvement. Online Course Design Framework Worksheet → Explore review options available with the design team:
Framework Criteria
Use the OCDF to review your course
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