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OSCQR Winning Learning: Real life tools and career connections
Potsdam, State University College at
Problem/need: There is an "epidemic of disengagement" in higher education which is partially explained by a disconnect between course work and real life application and relevance. Learners incur debt and spend resources (time, tuition $, etc.) as an investment in their careers, and it's incumbent on higher education institutions to support learners in this effort.
Effective practice: Learners explore and apply the Online Course Quality Review (OSCQR) system of tools and practices to support quality online teaching and learning. In addition, masters students complete modules in the SUNY DLE Brightspace Fundamentals course for the same reason. In both cases, they are able to add valuable, transferrable knowledge and skills to their "career toolbelt" and earn credentials that are valued by employers. In graduate and online pedagogy courses, learners connect course content (e.g., online learning frameworks, curriculum design, online pedagogy) to the OSCQR rubric as well as its wrap-around system that supports design, development, review, and continuous improvement of online education. Learners have the option of enrolling in the SUNY Online Certified Reviewer program (available in the 2024-25 academic year), and earning certificates in the SUNY DLE Brightspace Fundamentals course. These real life tools and applications enable the learners to connect their course work to career development by becoming reviewers and earning credentials that are recognized by employers.
Why it's effective: Learners report that connecting theory (e.g., Community of Inquiry, Backwards Design) to real life systems such as OSCQR leads to deeper learning experiences. By applying their learning from the OSCQR system as well as the SUNY DLE course to their own online education projects, they develop meaningful and transferrable knowledge and skills.
How I did it: Learners in online graduate courses and an online pedagogy course (for faculty) connect course content such as the Community of Inquiry, Backwards Design, instructional frameworks (e.g., from instructional design), accessibility and inclusion, and "best practices" for online education to the OSCQR rubric and to topics in the SUNY DLE course. This is the initial phase of connection-building as well as establishing accurate comprehension of both (OSCQR standards and DLE topics). Learners then complete learning activities related to the course (e.g., create an online education resource; design, develop, implement and evaluate an online mini course; build components of a higher education online course) by applying relevant OSCQR standards and DLE topics (e.g., a module called Digital Pedagogy). Finally, learners apply the OSCQR rubric by evaluating their own online education materials and then others and then reflecting and creating action plans.
These steps reflect the wrap-around SUNY system of support for online teaching and learning, beginning with the multi-faceted steps and flexible options that the OSCQR system affords. Equally, having access to faculty resources such as the SUNY DLE course adds a layer of authenticity and quality professional development to the learner experience.
In all cases, learners build transferrable, authentic knowledge and skills that connect their course work to the real world, including career development.
The SUNY Online Course Quality Review Rubric https://oscqr.suny.edu/
SUNY Online Course Quality Review Webinar Series https://web.cvent.com/event/b54c0dfe-66f5-4ab7-b727-aba78fb45fe7/websitePage:847f2497-3991-4433-b131-bc03bac68388
SUNY DLE Brightspace Fundamentals course https://mylearning.suny.edu/d2l/home/8293
Learner data from student work (forums, reflections), mid-course and end-of-course course evaluations indicate strong awareness and appreciation for the authentic experiences, including the opportunity to earn credentials such as the SUNY Online Certified OSCQR Reviewer and certificates of completion of the SUNY DLE course modules.
This practice relies on the support of and collaboration with the OSCQR and SUNY Online teams.
No costs are associated with this practice.
Dr. Caldwell’s course requirements include authentic materials and students design of learning content within the OSCOR framework. Students acquire skills and best practices to prepare them for the real-world workplace.
Dr. Caldwell’s approach makes coursework feel more relevant by giving students real-world tools they can actually use in their careers. By working with the OSCQR system and SUNY DLE Brightspace Fundamentals course, learners will get hands-on experience, build valuable skills, and even earn credentials that employers recognize. It’s a smart way to connect theory to practice and make online education more engaging and meaningful.
Dr. Caldwell once again shows why she is a campus leader in the area of online learning
This approach is direct and effective. It brings the OSCQR model to life within an online course, rather than letting it be just an organizational background tool. Great work and definitely going into my next online course design.
Dr. Caldwell’s focus on creating practical and meaningful experiences for her students is outstanding. By allowing students to practice in a safe and collaborative space with real tools, Dr. Caldwell can help students build confidence and competence.
OSCQR Winning Learning effectively bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping learners with real-world tools and career-ready credentials. By integrating OSCQR, SUNY DLE courses, and backward design principles, it fosters engagement, professional growth, and quality online teaching through intentional course planning and meaningful application.
I took a course with Dr. Caldwell during the Fall 2024 Semester and was able to immediately use the things we were learning in my job. These included enhancing accesibility to our Career Services materials, learning stronger communication practices, and creating ready-to-use materials for SUNY Potsdam students for my final project. These things just scratch the surface as the learning was deep and rich.
Karen has done a great job of encouraging our students to improve their “career toolbelts.” Gaining experience in the OSCQR process and the SUNY DLE Brightspace Fundamental course gives them authentic experience that is immediately transferrable (employers love to see it!).
By working with OSCQR, and learning from the SUNY DLE courses in the context of applying instructional design frameworks, students have the opportunity to connect with concepts more deeply. The value comes when instructional designers, online educators are prepared to apply quality assurance measures in their future work.
This type of active learning is more motivating for students to be fully engaged in the coursework. Dr. Caldwell is certainly a pioneer in virtual learning.
Dr. Caldwell continues to demonstrate her expertise and solid leadership in the field of online learning. I am truly inspired by her knowledge and dedication to high quality learning experiences for students.