Course Design Review (OSCQR)
About the Course Design Review
The Course Design Review process promotes continuous improvement in instructional design of online asynchronous, online synchronous, hybrid plus, and hybrid courses. This research-based course design review and enhancement model was developed to offer a team approach to the application of instructional design principles to online and hybrid courses.
The Course Design Review process uses Buffalo State's customized version of the OSCQR tool, developed in February 2020 with input from faculty representatives from each of Buffalo State's colleges to reflect the needs of Buffalo State faculty, students, and courses. The OSCQR tool was updated again in fall 2021 to incorporate federal US Department of Education regulatory definitions of distance education that require institutions to ensure regular and substantive interaction (RSI) between a student and an instructor(s). In 2023, the OSCQR rubric was updated based on recommendations from the associate deans from each school.
Faculty, peer reviewers, and instructional designers work together throughout the Course Design Review process, using the OSCQR tool 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.
Course Design Review (OSCQR) Process
Communicate Intent to Department
Check with your department to ensure that this course can be offered online or hybrid. You may provide information as to why the modality will benefit the student learning experience.
Before continuing with the Course Design Review process, faculty should have online teaching credentials (e.g., completion of online course development series, credentials from an outside institution or reputable organization in online teaching and learning).
Request a Course Design Review
After the course is fully developed in a Brightspace development shell, faculty can request a Course Design Review. Requests should be submitted at least 4 months before the course is schedule in Banner to allow enough time to complete the Course Design Review (OSCQR) process.
Meet with Course Design Review Team
Meet with instructional designer and peer-reviewer (if requested) from the Course Design Review team to discuss the course, OSCQR tool, process, and timeline.
Complete OSCQR Rubrics
Review course design using the OSCQR tool.
- Faculty begin by completing a self-review of the course design.
- Once the self-review is complete, the peer-reviewer (if requested) will complete a peer-review
- Instructional designer review
Multiple meetings may occur during this phase.
Develop Action Plan
Meet with instructional designer and peer-reviewer (if requested) to discuss Course Design Reviews with the OSCQR tool and identify course updates. Multiple meetings may occur during this phase to discuss course design.
Update Course Design
Update course design as needed based on reviews to ensure OSCQR standards are present in course design. This revision period may include several cycles of updating the course design, checking these updates based on the OSCQR standards, providing updated recommendations, meeting to discuss course design, and implementing updates to course design.
Course Design Review (OSCQR) Process Complete
The Course Design Review (OSCQR) process is complete when all "essential" OSCQR standards are marked as "sufficiently present". The instructional designer provides feedback from review to the instructor, department chair, and/or associate dean.
Course Design Review (OSCQR) Timeline
| Semester to be Taught | Submit Request By | Complete Self-Review By | Complete Course Design Review Process By (Banner Preview) |
|---|---|---|---|
| J-Term/Spring 2025 | June 1, 2024 | July 1, 2024 | October 7, 2024 |
| Summer 2025 | November 1, 2024 | December 1, 2024 | March 3, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | November 1, 2024 | December 1, 2024 | March 3, 2025 |