Online Learning

With recent information coming out on the audit of Western Governors University, Bay College feels the need to show how our model of online course delivery is exemplary. Online enrollment continues to be a substantial portion of the College’s overall enrollment, and as such, quality content delivery is critical for student and community success. Following is a listing of evidence that suggests that our online course delivery is appropriate, follows the principles of continuous quality improvement, and meets the expectations of the Higher Learning Commission.

  1. Online courses are developed based on traditional course learning outcomes.
  2. Faculty in online courses engage in regular and substantive interaction with their students.
  3. Discussion boards are very common and are typically graded using a rubric that defines appropriate interaction for each student.
  4. The typical online course is set up in modules that follow a very similar schedule to that defined in a traditional course.
  5. A schedule template is provided for online courses that is adopted to include weekly readings, videos, assignments, and projects.
  6. Content delivery is multi-modal and includes reading from textbooks, instructor PowerPoints, discussion boards, assignments, group work, journals, projects, videos, etc.
  7. Assessment activities are aligned with student learning outcomes and include homework assignments, discussion boards, major papers/projects, online quizzes, and both online and proctored exams depending on the course.
  8. Online instructors are required to take our online certification course.
  9. Master Agreement 100.4 states: Requirements for teaching online will be well defined and opportunities for training will be offered annually.
  10. Instructors are encouraged to participate in Quality Matters training, which is a nationally recognized online instruction training.
  11. Faculty are actively engaged in the quality assurance of our online course delivery
  12. Faculty develop the curriculum just the same as traditional courses
  13. Faculty develop online courses within the learning management system with the assistance and support of our online learning department
  14. Faculty are responsible for the content delivery and management of online courses just the same as traditional courses
  15. Faculty are responsible for the assessment of student learning in the course
  16. Faculty are responsible for the grading in the course
  17. Online courses are reviewed as a part of the normal evaluation process.
  18. Master Agreement 0114 states: A formal evaluation process will exist for all tenured and non-tenured instructors. The process will include, but not be limited to, classroom and laboratory observations, clinics, review of online courses……
  19. Academic Deans review online courses for quality and student engagement .
  20. An evaluation tool specifically for online courses exists and is used for adjunct instructors. The form is also utilized as a part of the full time faculty evaluation process as a reference tool.
  21. Document can be found in:
  1. The Instructional Leaders Team (ILT) has implemented a standardized syllabus format as well as a standardized schedule for all online courses, ensuringconsistency across courses.
  2. Documents can be found in myBay:
  1. Online learning orientation (OLO) is required of every new online student.
  2. Courses are not open to students until orientation is taken.
  3. Orientation focuses on how to be successful in the online environment.
  4. The Department of Online Learning has a director as well as an instructional designer that offer great service and training to all faculty and staff.
  5. Online Learning Department information can be found in myBay:
  • The OL department offers regular training (see schedule in myBay), course development opportunities (certification course twice a year as well as one-on-one development), and support for our learning management system (LMS).