Why is this called, Foundations?

What the Research says...

Each Lab is aligned to five specific instructional characteristics identified as influential in student academic success, especially for minoritized students (Joosten and Cusatis, 2019). These five instructional characteristics include:

Design and Organization
Learner Support
Student Interaction with the Instructor
Content Design and Delivery
Assessment

Joosten and Cusatis (2019) identified and defined these five characteristics using an instrument derived from an analysis of three online course quality rubrics that have been used by national and international institutions of higher education to evaluate online course quality. These include:

Chico Rubric for Online Instruction (ROI)
Quality Matters (QM)
Quality Learning and Teaching (QLT) Rubric, previously name the Quality Online Teaching and Learning (QOLT) Rubric

The QM and QLT rubrics are used by the CSU to evaluate and certify quality online courses. So in addition to aligning with the research on quality online instructional characteristics, each lab is also aligned to specific online course quality criteria defined by QLT.

Source

Joosten, T., & Cusatis, R. (2019). A cross-institutional study of instructional characteristics and student outcomes: Are quality indicators of online courses able to predict student success? Online Learning, 23(4), 354-378. doi:10.24059/olj.v23i4.1432

Lab Structure

Each lab follows the same structure, presenting a 'challenge' and 'guiding question' to frame the challenge. By working through the lab, we hope to equip you with knowledge, ideas, validation, and tools to support your design in overcoming this challenge! The labs each include the following elements:

The Challenge
The Guiding Question
Lab Overview
Lab Topic
Opportunities to Explore & Apply
Community Discussion
Lab Assignment

Assignments

Throughout each lab you will have content to read, watch, and try. As well as optional activities and the choice to engage in a discussion with your peers and facilitator(s).

Each Lab also includes an Assignment that must be completed as evidence of participation in the lab. The Lab Assignments are aligned to supporting your work on your Capstone. The Assignment includes several options for what you can 'do'. You pick the assignment option that supports your course development.

Participation

Do I have to complete all Labs?

No! You can complete as many labs as you'd like. You can begin Labs 1-3 right away. Labs 4&5 will open on Monday, June 22nd.

Do I have to participate on certain days and times?

No! You can work on any day at any time! You can do more than one Lab at a time.

But, if you want a more facilitated experience, plan on 'starting' a Lab on Monday and ending on Friday! That way the facilitator's communication and interaction will make more 'sense'!

Do I have to work in order?

No! For those who prefer a 'sequential' approach to the course building process, we recommend you complete the labs in order from 1-5. Doing so will support you in the chunking your course into modules working straight from your Student Learning Outcomes

Do I have to submit something?

Yes! As evidence of your participation in T.H.R.I.V.E. you do need to submit the Assignment at the end of each Lab. Each assignment has different options for what you want to complete.

Will I get feedback?

Yes! If you participate in the Discussion Forums in each Lab, you will get feedback from your facilitator and peers. The more peer involvement we get in the space, the more everyone will learn and enjoy the experience.

Yes! If you would like feedback on something you develop or draft in the Foundations Course, you can submit it to the Optional Assignment: If you'd like feedback. A Foundations facilitator will provide more detailed feedback and guidance/suggestions for your submission.

How Do I earn the Badge?

To earn the Foundations Badge, you need to complete all Five Labs and Submit the Assignment for each Lab as evidence of your participation. Once the assignments are submitted and you've completed the Foundations Course Feedback Evaluation, you can claim your Badge!

Why do I want a Badge?

The badge will list the specific Core 24 Essential Quality Learning and Teaching (QLT) Criteria demonstrated through your completion. QLT has a total of 57 objectives. This course will prepare you to demonstrate the 24 essential criteria of beginning online design and facilitation. QLT is a Quality Assurance Online Course Development Rubric recognized by the CSU and multiple other higher education institutions. Your badge is evidence that you have been prepared by CSUCI for QLT Core 24 aligned online course design and facilitation.

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