Brightspace and Distance Learning

The primary focus for development of Distance Learning (DL) courses is on those that are part of an approved, Distance Learning Program.  Development of such courses receives priority attention from the CCI, adheres to the OSCQR (SUNY Online Course Quality Review) standards, and follows the SUNY “Work-made-for hire” guidelines. For more information, please review the How do I put my course online as part of a program? section below.

Faculty seeking to design and develop an online course that is not a part of an approved Distance Learning Program can work through this process with their School’s Online Faculty Fellow (OFF).  Development of such courses must adhere to the OSCQR standards, but do not require a SUNY “Work-made-for hire” contract.  Courses developed in this manner cannot be used as part of an approved Distance Learning Program unless used as an elective.  For more information, please review the How do I put my “non-program” course online? section below.

To begin, you must meet these three criteria:   

1. Your course is approved by the usual curricular approval process or is a WAYS course.  
2. Your course is part of an approved online or partially online program. (See the SUNY Potsdam Distance Learning Policy for a program approval guide).
3. You have completed the Online Pedagogy Training (Section 3A) or an equivalent.

The Online Program Coordinator 

Your department will assign an Online Program Coordinator (OPC) (Appendix D) during the program approval process. Together with the Distance Learning Coordinator and the Provost’s Office, the OPC will schedule your course development work according to established priorities and Instructional Designer (ID) availability. You will work with an ID to create a high-quality online course site that complies with the SUNY Online Course Quality Review Rubric (OSCQR) (Section 3B).

Online Course Development Steps 

1. Prepare. Talk to your OPC to ensure you’re prepared for course development. Need to take the Online Pedagogy training? Need to reschedule your development? Your OPC is the one to see! Development takes place at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters roughly a year before delivery. 
2. File the Paperwork. You’ll need to sign a work-for-hire (WFH) contract, including the project timeline agreement, before any work can begin (WFH and other forms are administered through Adobe Sign by CCI staff). Your assigned ID will reach out just prior to the term of development to begin planning. For more about development timelines, see the Course Development and Timeline information (Section 3C) of the Distance Learning Policy. Ask your Dean or OPC for more about WFH.
3. Create the Blueprints! When development begins, your assigned ID will share templates aligned to the OSCQR standards. Fill out the templates and return to ID. Typically, this takes 8 weeks.
4. Construction Time! Using the templates/materials you completed, the ID will build the course site in the Learning Management System (LMS). Collaboration between you (SME) and the ID will occur during this time, which takes around 8 to 10 weeks.
5. Review Time! Using the OSCQR rubric, the course site will be reviewed by three individuals: An Online Faculty Fellow (OFF), you, and the ID. An “Action Plan” for any revisions will be developed. This typically takes 2 weeks.
6. Tie Up Loose Ends!  You’ll work with your ID to address items identified in the Action Plan, finalize the course site for delivery, and then sign an OSCQR Certification form, confirming that the work-for-hire work has been completed. (Adobe Sign form managed by CCI staff).
7. Launch and Deliver! After your initial delivery, you will reflect with your ID during a “Learning Review” session to discover what worked and what needs tweaking. If you are ever unsure about keeping compliant, reach out to an ID. (Recertification is required every 3 years).

To get started:

• You must have completed the Online Pedagogy Training or an equivalent (see section 3A of the SUNY Potsdam Distance Learning Policy).
• Contact your School’s OFF.

The Online Faculty Fellow (OFF)

Each school has an assigned Online Faculty Fellow who will assist you during the online course development process. The online faculty fellow will work with you to create a high-quality online course site that complies with the SUNY Online Course Quality Review (OSCQR) rubric (Section 3B).

• Crane School of Music: Andre Mount (mountag@potsdam.edu)
• School of Arts & Sciences:  Gaylynn Welch (welchgj@potsdam.edu)
• School of Education & Professional Studies: Karen Caldwell (caldweke@potsdam.edu)

Online Course Development Steps

1. Prepare.  Schedule a meeting with your school’s OFF to ensure you’re prepared for course development. If you have not already done so, your OFF will assist you in scheduling Online Pedagogy training.  Development can commence at any time following training.
2. Create the Blueprints!  When development begins, your OFF will share templates aligned to the OSCQR standard and provide guidance on completing the template in a manner consistent with OSCQR compliance. Peer-to-peer training will occur on various topics as needed to successfully complete your course template.
3. Construction Time!  Using the templates/materials you completed, an LMS (Learning Management System) course development site will be generated by the CCI.  With the support and collaboration of the OFF, you will build the course site in the LMS during an established timeline you develop together.
4. Review Time!  All online courses must be reviewed and approved using the OSCQR rubric prior to delivery.  There are no exceptions. Your course will be reviewed by three individuals: your Online Faculty Fellow (OFF), you, and a SUNY Potsdam Instructional Designer. An “Action Plan” for any revisions will be developed.
5. Tie Up Loose Ends!  You’ll work with your OFF to address items identified in the Action Plan, finalize the course site for delivery, and then sign an OSCQR Certification form, confirming that the has been completed. (Adobe Sign form managed by CCI staff.)
6. Launch and Deliver!  After your initial delivery, you will reflect with your OFF during a “Learning Review” session to discover what worked and what needs tweaking. If you are ever unsure about keeping compliant, reach out to an ID. (Recertification is required every 3 years).

Instructional Design is the systematic development of instruction that most effectively facilitates the transfer of knowledge, skills, and attitude to learners. Instructional Designers carefully consider how students learn and what materials and methods will help them achieve their academic goals. The principles of instructional design address the design, creation, and delivery of educational tools to any learning group. Instructional Design principles enhance learning at every level: a Brightspace course, a campus course, a lecture, or even a single assignment.

Whether you need general support to enhance your Brightspace course or are looking for detailed instructional design support to develop a fully online course, the CCI staff are here to support you. Forward your questions or schedule a one-on-one appointment by emailing online@potsdam.edu.

Brightspace is an LMS (Learning Management System) that allows users to deliver content and instruction through a private website. Faculty can create individual Brightspace courses for both their on-site classes and for their online courses. Among other things, Brightspace allows faculty to post lectures, videos, assignments, discussion forums, quizzes, and questionnaires.

Ready to login to Brightspace? Go to brightspace.potsdam.edu.