5 Pillars Quality Course Review

This resource is adapted from the "5 Pillars Quality Course Review" PDF and outlines the key areas to ensure excellence in online teaching at Trulaske College of Business.

PILLAR 1: Initial Student Experience

Welcome announcement is present and accessible.
Instructor contact methods and communication expectations are clear.
Course navigation is streamlined and intuitive.
Syllabus contains all required Trulaske and university elements.
Homepage provides orientation and clarity.

PILLAR 2: Alignment & Learning Objectives

Learning objectives are measurable and aligned across the course.
Module content and assessments clearly support stated objectives.
Assignments link explicitly to learning outcomes.
Course mapping documentation available for alignment verification.

PILLAR 3: Assessment & Feedback

Frequent low-stakes assessments provide timely feedback.
Rubrics and clear criteria are used consistently.
Feedback is timely, constructive, and supports growth.
Assessment methods are varied and appropriate for content.

PILLAR 4: Instructor Presence & Engagement

Instructor initiates and maintains regular interaction.
Instructor uses announcements, discussions, or videos to foster presence.
Communication plan is clear and includes response time expectations.
Instructor demonstrates ongoing involvement in course activities.

PILLAR 5: Accessibility & Usability

Multimedia includes captions and transcripts.
Alt text is provided for images and visual content.
Color contrast meets accessibility standards.
Headings and layout support clear reading order.
Course uses accessible documents and Canvas best practices.

For assistance reviewing your course against these pillars or for personalized instructional design support, contact the Trulaske Instructional Technologist, Angela Knoerr.