The Engaged Online Course (EOC) review is an internal process aimed at recognizing and promoting quality in online course design. It provides instructors with constructive feedback from their peers, supporting their engagement in a continuous improvement process to refine and enhance their online courses.
During the review process, a three-person team—comprised of two peer reviewers and an instructional designer—independently evaluates an online course using the Engaged Online Course Rubric to assess how well it meets the established quality standards. Once these standards are met, instructors are awarded the EOC badge that can be displayed on their course site and syllabus. This review is designed for asynchronous online courses that the instructor has taught at least twice.
How to Review Your Course
The Self-check allows instructors to review, assess and update key elements of their online course in preparation for an EOC Review.
The Course Worksheet is an essential component of the EOC review. It allows instructors a chance to share important details about their course design with reviewers, including information about the creation of course objectives, Vol Core designation, and use of third-party tools and materials.
Instructors are invited to a Kick-Off Meeting and a Wrap Up meeting by the EOC Coordinator. These meetings generally last 30-60 minutes.
Instructional faculty will have an opportunity to work directly with the ID that reviewed their course and implement improvements based on the team’s suggestions and examples.
From application submission to the final Wrap Up meeting, the EOC review takes approximately 10 weeks. If you choose to work with the Instructional Designer after the review this timeline can be longer.
EOC Peer Reviewers
During the review process, peer reviewers attend three one-hour long meetings scheduled by the EOC Coordinator.
Join your colleagues for in-depth and open dialogue regarding online pedagogies. Share your expertise while learning from others in the field.
Online instructors and course designers are an integral part of fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Serving as a peer reviewer allows one to engage in meaningful discussions with others in the university community who are committed to innovation and growth.
To serve as a peer reviewer, instructors should have taught at least three online courses and have professional development targeted at online teaching. Staff members who have extensive experience in designing online courses or have served as Quality Matters (QM) reviewers may also be eligible. More detailed information can be found on the Peer Reviewer Interest Form.
Including the three meetings, the review should not take more than 15 hours over the 10 weeks. Peer reviewers do not review all 7 general standards but focus on the ones related to pedagogy.
To learn more about the history and development of the Engaged Online Course Rubric, please visit the Engaged Online Course Rubric page.
Courses with Engaged Online Course Designation
For questions about getting involved with the EOC, please contact:
Ann Ely
EOC Coordinator
aely1@utk.edu
