POCR Timeline and Expectations

Timeline

• Initial Preparation (Weeks 1-2):
  • Familiarize yourself with POCR requirements and guidelines.
  • Review the POCR rubric and assessment criteria to understand what is expected.
  • Contact the POCR Lead and discuss your interest in having your course become POCR certified. 
  • Complete the POCR Course Review Prep Checklist.
• Course Preparation (Weeks 3-6):
  • Begin making revisions and enhancements to your course based on the POCR rubric.
  • Focus on aligning course objectives, content, assessments, and interactions with POCR standards.
  • Implement accessibility features and ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines.
  • Update course materials, activities, and assessments as needed.
  • Regularly collaborate with the POCR Lead to continue refining and enhancing your course. The POCR Lead also functions as an Instructional Designer, providing support and guidance as needed.
    • An instructional designer in higher education is responsible for designing and developing effective learning experiences that leverage technology to facilitate student engagement and comprehension. They collaborate with subject matter experts to create instructional materials, ensuring they align with educational objectives and incorporate best practices in pedagogy and accessibility.
• Internal Review (Weeks 7-8):
  • Conduct a self-review of your course to ensure alignment with POCR standards.
  • Seek feedback from colleagues or the POCR Lead to identify any areas for improvement.
  • Make necessary revisions based on internal feedback to enhance course quality.
• Submission (Week 9):
  • Complete the POCR submission process by notifying the POCR Lead and filling out the POCR Course Review Submission.
  • Ensure all required documentation, including the POCR Course Review Prep Checklist, is included with your submission.
  • Submit your course for formal review by the POCR team.
• External Review (Weeks 10-12):
  • After the cohort has been assigned, the review team will convene an initial meeting to address any inquiries, typically to ensure all faculty members are enrolled in the course. While it's recommended for the instructor of record to attend, it's not mandatory.
  • Your course will undergo external review by POCR reviewers.
  • Reviewers will assess your course based on the POCR rubric and provide feedback.
  • Be prepared to address any recommendations or required revisions from the external review.
• Revision and Resubmission (Weeks 13-14):
  • After completing their reviews, the reviewers will reconvene to discuss their findings. The instructor of record is welcome to attend this meeting, although it is not mandatory. In case the instructor cannot attend, the POCR Lead will contact them directly to provide the feedback from the cohort.
  • Make revisions to your course based on feedback from the external review.
  • Ensure all required changes are implemented thoroughly and effectively.
  • Resubmit your course for a final review to the POCR Lead.
• Final Evaluation (Week 15):
  • The decision regarding the necessity of a final evaluation will be left to the cohort. If the cohort decides that a final evaluation is warranted, focus will primarily be on standards that were initially not aligned.
  • If your course is in alignment with the POCR standards, the POCR Lead will submit the course to the CVC (via Smartsheets).
  • Receive official certification and recognition for your course's quality and effectiveness in online education.
• Continuous Improvement (Ongoing):
  • Continuously monitor and evaluate your course to ensure it remains aligned with POCR standards.
  • Seek feedback from students and colleagues to identify areas for further enhancement.
  • Stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in online education to inform future course revisions.