Online Courses - Observation Form Guidelines for Observation: □ □ □ □
Prior to the observation, the observer should contact the faculty member to select a mutually agreed upon class module(s) and time. Observer will look at previously agreed upon module(s) and all course overview materials. Observer will have access to the class for a one-week period. Observation should happen within the first six weeks of the semester.
Instructor
Course Name
Date of online observation
Course No. Topics/Modules
Observed by
Has the instructor taught fully online courses three or more years?
Time accessed
(Cite evidence)
Course Development / Course Management Description Course syllabus including course description, course schedule, contact information and evaluation procedure are communicated with students. Course Goals and Objectives/Outcomes are available and clearly defined for the student. Module Objectives/Outcomes are clearly presented and are in line with the overall goals and objectives for the class. Course content can be navigated easily. Course content follows copyright and fair use laws.
1
Insufficient Information to Evaluate
Not Met
Met
Comments
Online Courses - Observation Form Faculty Content Knowledge Description Instructor demonstrates extensive knowledge, understanding and skill with respect to content area. Content of the course is relative and relevant to subject.
Insufficient Information to Evaluate
Not Met
Met
Comments
Met
Comments
Content contributes to the achievement of the stated course and module/unit learning objectives/outcomes. Lessons are adaptive to students’ ability.
Communications (Instructions & explanations) are clear, consistent, and at the students’ level of comprehension.
Student Support Description Students are familiar with Blackboard 9.1.
Instructor provides resources to enhance the quality of online course delivery. (Links to tutorials, etc.) A gradebook is available for checking student progress and grades are posted in accordance with stated response times.
2
Insufficient Information to Evaluate
Not Met
Online Courses - Observation Form Faculty Course Presence/Student Engagement Description Instructor creates an active learning community through: □ forums, □ individual/group/class email, □ discussion boards and/or video/audio recordings. Instructor adheres to posted statement of response time unless otherwise indicated in announcements and/or email. Instructor communicates with the students and provides constructive feedback.
Insufficient Information to Evaluate
Not Met
Met
Comments
Students communicate with the instructor.
Students communicate with each other.
Students demonstrate their knowledge.
___________________________________________ Signature of Observer
__________________________________________ Signature of Instructor
_____________________ Date
______________________ Date
3