##  [2.5 How can we ensure good quality learning? (Quality assurance)](/course-design-and-materials-development-guide/25-how-can-we-ensure-good-quality-learning-quality-assurance) 

## Quality Criteria

These criteria can serve a dual function of helping you follow a sound design process and enabling quality checks at different points in the process.

## Resources

- Link to a JISC framework of questions in [Toolkit for Harnessing Quality Assurance Processes for Technology Enhanced Learning](https://jiscdesignstudio.pbworks.com/w/page/47860992/Toolkit%20for%20Harnessing%20Quality%20Assurance%20Processes%20for%20Technology%20Enhanced%20Learning), to guide the design and implementation of quality assurance practices in technology-enhanced course design and delivery.
- Review the [NADEOSA Quality Criteria for Course Design](/sites/default/files/course_design/NADEOSA%20Quality%20Criteria%20-%20Course%20Design.pdf) (70KB, 2 pages).
- Review Saide [Examples of Course Assessment Strategies](/sites/default/files/course_design/Examples%20of%20Course%20Assessment%20Strategies.doc) (83KB, 3 pages).
- This [Course Evaluation](/sites/default/files/course_design/PHEA%20Course%20Evaluation%20Instrument.xlsx) template, created by Saide, can be used to evaluate courses designed and delivered in a VLE (244KB, 3 sheets).



## Quality Assurance Strategies

Decisions taken at the course level about the learning outcomes, the learning and teaching strategies, the assessment methods, and the delivery modes influence the selection and/or development of the learning materials. A comprehensive quality assurance framework that clearly spells out the criteria for each of the course components provides direction for the design, development, delivery and ongoing review of the learning materials. A comprehensive quality assurance strategy informs and guides the establishment and ongoing review of systems, processes and procedures that promote and support the development of quality courses.

## Resources

- This COL quality assurance framework in the 2009[ Quality Assurance Toolkit](/sites/default/files/course_design/1.%20COL%20HE_QA_Toolkit_web.pdf) includes Criterion 6, which focuses on course design and materials development (2.55MB, 371 pages).
- Link to Tony Bates' blog, [Nine Steps to Quality Online Learning](https://www.tonybates.ca/2012/07/09/nine-steps-to-quality-online-learning-step-9-evaluate-and-innovate/), Step 9: Evaluate and innovate. The nine steps are aimed mainly at educators who are new to online learning, or have tried online learning without much help or success.



## Design Review Questions

**Use these questions to reflect on the overall quality of your course:**

- Review the national or other quality standards for the level of the course. How does the course rate against the standards?
- Review the course map. What are the appropriate pedagogies or teaching strategies to accompany the different elements e.g. lecture, group work, portfolio?
- How do the learning activities align to the purpose and outcomes of the module/course?
- How do the learning activities sufficiently engage and enable learners to acquire the stated competences and achieve the learning outcomes?
- How have you integrated sufficient supportive and meaningful feedback into the course? How soon is the feedback available?
- How easily navigable is the course?