What We Do

Faculty and instructional designers work together throughout the Course Review process, using the Course Readiness Checklist to promote systematic reflection on elements of course design that promote quality learning experiences for students and achievement of the desired learning outcomes. This process is intended to assist in conversations about how we can strengthen student learning experiences by using effective practices in instructional design.

We recommend a series of three meetings, spaced over time, to:

• Review your course goals and materials

• Suggest strategies and tools to meet student needs

• Provide feedback on accessibility and quality standards

The first two (optional) meetings could occur before the review whereas the third is a required component of the review process and occurs once feedback has been compiled.

We are flexible, whether you’d like more or fewer meetings, we will adapt to your schedule.

Our Approach: Backward Design

We use the backward design method, which starts with your course outcomes and works backward to align activities, assessments, and materials. This ensures that every element of your course supports your stated goals.

Here are the key questions we’ll help you answer:

• What will students know or be able to do by the end of the course?

• What technology will students need to succeed?

• How will students demonstrate their learning?

• How can students best prepare for these demonstrations?

• What materials will support their success?

Answering these questions helps create a clear, direct path from outcomes → activities → assessments → evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria does Geneseo use to evaluate online classes?

SUNY Geneseo uses the Course Readiness Checklist (CRC) to improve the quality of online courses prior to the course being taught. The CRC identifies the minimum baseline of requirements, as well as aspirational best practices, adapted from the SUNY Online Course Quality Review Rubric (OSCQR).

What is the basis for the Course Readiness Checklist (CRC)?

The CRC is built on the OSCQR Rubric (pronounced “Oscar”), developed by SUNY staff and stakeholders to ensure online courses are learner-centered and well designed.

How is the Course Readiness Checklist used?

Instructional Designers use the CRC to review course design from a student perspective.

• Essential requirements must be met.

• Best practices are recommended and encouraged.
  Faculty receive annotated feedback during the review process. Once feedback has been provided, faculty will be asked to re-annotate the CRC to highlight the changes that have been implemented in the course. After that re-annotated CRC is provided to the course reviewer, a secondary and cursory review of the course takes place.

What if my course doesn’t meet certain “best practices”?

Best practices are not required for a course to complete the review process. You may receive feedback and suggestions for improvement. Course design is iterative, and designers will work with you to strengthen your course over time.

What if my course does not meet all essential requirements?

Your course will not be considered as having completed the course review process until all essential requirements are met. These requirements should ideally be completed before the course opens, but must be addressed as soon as possible. The longer these critical elements remain incomplete, the greater the inequity for students.

How often should a course be reviewed?

Whenever course material changes. Reviews help ensure that content remains current.

Who sees the results of a course review?

Reviews are confidential between you and the Instructional Design team.

• Department chairs, program administrators, or incentive administrators may see limited information, but this will be communicated clearly in advance.

How does the review evaluate my course content?

Reviews focus on design and delivery, not disciplinary subject matter. Designers bring “fresh eyes” to assess usability and student experience.

What courses can be reviewed?

The focus is on online courses, but the team can review any Brightspace course, regardless of modality.

Can I request a partial review?

Yes. You can ask for feedback on specific sections, though full-course reviews provide the most benefit. A course is considered to have completed the review process only after a full-course review has been conducted.

What if I disagree with the review?

The review is a conversation starter. If you disagree with feedback, discuss it with your Instructional Designer.

Can I updated my materials after the review is completed?

Yes, absolutely! The feedback you receive is intended to guide updates to your course.

A colleague’s version of my course was reviewed. Do I also need a review?

Yes. Every faculty member’s course is unique and must be reviewed separately.

What’s the benefit of reviewing multiple courses I teach?

Each course and student group is different. Reviewing additional courses provides tailored feedback for each.

Can I choose my course reviewer?

Requests are considered, but the Director of Educational Technology assigns reviews based on team workload.

Will the reviewer fix typos or grammar?

Designers will point out typos they notice but are not copy editors. Faculty are responsible for course text quality.

How long does a review take?

• Typically 5–7 business days.

• Allow about two weeks total for review, consultation, and feedback.

• Timing may vary during busy semesters.

When should I request a meeting with an Instructional Designer?

As early as possible. Designers provide the most help when involved early in the course design process. Reviews are one of the last steps in Geneseo’s course design process.

How should I submit my course for review?

You can submit your course for review by emailing the Instructional Design Team.

How should I prepare my course?

You’re expected to have a fully developed, student-ready course in place (rather than just an outline) a few weeks before the semester. This allows time for review and refinement before it’s shared with students.

Still Need Help?

To explore guides created by D2L, visit the Brightspace Help Site. Note that you will need to create an account to access content within the Brightspace Community.

Ask CIT! Email us or submit a request and we'll be happy to assist you.