Assuring Quality in Large-Scale Online Course Development

Skilled faculty members and robust faculty development programs are key components of quality online learning. Faculty development for online educators must provide both training as well as continuous support. The focus on the quality of faculty members begins with screening and selection of faculty. At both Ashford and University of the Rockies, potential faculty are screened, interviewed, and vetted for both academic and professional qualifications. All potential online faculty participate in a three-week online interview and training course that assesses their skills in computer-mediated communication, adult learning and pedagogy, discussion facilitation, and providing formative and summative feedback to students.