As the university increases student access to education through innovative and dynamic delivery methods, online courses and programs must be thoughtfully designed, maintain high academic standards, and prioritize learner engagement— an essential element of quality in online education.
To support these efforts, a cohort of instructional faculty and staff across the university collaborated to create the Engaged Online Course Rubric (EOCR). The group evaluated industry-standard course design rubrics, including the Quality Matters Higher Ed Course Design Rubric and the SUNY Online Course Quality Review Rubric (OSQCR), and identified components appropriate for a custom UT rubric.
The rubric contains seven general standards that cover essential aspects of a quality online course:
The EOCR provides a set of research-based guidelines reflecting best practices in online course design and development. It emphasizes course structure and design, ensuring that courses are aligned with stated learning objectives while minimizing barriers to quality and supporting student success.
The Engaged Online Course Rubric (EOCR) is a critical element of the Engaged Online Course Review process. Its standards, guidelines, and accompanying criteria serve as the foundation for the review team to evaluate whether an online course qualifies for the EOC designation.
