The University of North Dakota Teaching Transformation and Development Academy’s Course Alignment Standards Verification Mark
Course Alignment Standards Verification Mark
2.1 The course learning objectives describe outcomes that are measurable.
2.2 The module/unit-learning objectives describe outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the course-level objectives.
3.1 The assessments measure the achievement of the stated learning objectives.
4.1 The instructional materials contribute to the achievement of the stated learning objectives.
5.1 The learning activities help learners achieve the stated objectives.
6.1 The tools used in the course support the learning objectives.
Alignment occurs when critical course components work together to ensure students achieve desired learning objectives (or outcomes). The Teaching Transformation and Development Academy’s Course Alignment Standards Verification Mark is confirmation that a specific course meets the six Quality Matters Specific Review Standards that are considered critical components. The concept of alignment is intended to convey the idea that critical course components work together to ensure that learners achieve the desired learning outcomes. Measurable course-level and module-level learning objectives form the basis of alignment in a course. Other elements of the course, including those addressed in Specific Review Standards 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, and 6.1, contribute to the accomplishment of the learning objectives.
To begin the Course Alignment Review, please complete the Course Alignment Review Worksheet. Once your objectives are uploaded, an Instructional Designer will review and determine if your Course and Module Learning Objectives are measurable. If you are not able to modify your Course Objectives, the reviewer will look at your Module Learning Objectives to determine that they measurable and align with your mandated Course Objectives. You will need to attach a completed Course Alignment Map in order to have a course reviewed. If you would like to complete a Course Alignment Map, you can register for the online asynchronous course, Creating a Quality Course Map through the Teaching Transformation and Development Academy’s Programming Event Calendar
Once your objectives have been determined to be measurable, a group of three Instructional Designers will independently review your course utilizing triangulation to eliminate subjectiveness. You will be given a timeframe in which the ID’s will review your course, this can vary depending on the amount of reviews being completed at a given time. A score of MET means that your course meets at the 85% or higher. A NOT MET score will mean that you have some revisions to make before you earn the Verification Mark. You will be provided evidence, feedback and suggestions for improvement with a MET and NOT MET score. What this means, is that we striving for continuous improvement in courses.
When your course has earned the Course Alignment Standards Verification Mark, it will available as a Digital Badge through Credly. What this verification mark means is the objectives, assessments, activities, learning materials, and tools align across the course which indicates that there is no room for busy work and reiterates that every single component of the course has a specific purpose. This digital badge can be shared in your course, syllabus, promotion packets, or social media spaces like LinkedIn to allow and allows all shareholders to immediately identify a quality course.
Questions on the Course Alignment Standards Verification Mark can be sent to UND’s Quality Matters Coordinators:
Catherine Benton
Catherine.benton@und.edu
Bridget Brooks, PhD.
bridget.brooks@und.edu