Learning Design & Quality Assurance
Howard University’s Learning Design & Quality Assurance (LDQA) process is the university’s official framework for developing and sustaining high-quality online programming. LDQA supports academic units as courses and programs transition from existing instructional modalities to the online course modality, ensuring alignment with institutional standards and federal distance education expectations. During this process courses are transitioned from their various course modalities to the online course modality.
The LDQA process is facilitated by the Office of Digital and Online Learning in partnership with Howard University’s online academic units. Moreover, the university is required to have such a process for online courses in compliance with the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions. The LDQA process is informed by various evidence-based research such as adult learning principles as well as gleans from Quality Matters (QM), the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. The LDQA process leverages this research and the QM rubric which is specifically intended for use with courses that are delivered fully online or have a significant online component to aid in the creation of high-quality online courses.
Individual courses and approved academic programs must successfully complete the LDQA process to be designated official Howard University online courses. Courses that have not completed this process are not recognized as official online offerings. Completion includes structured review and required revisions to ensure alignment with institutional and accreditation standards. Eligibility requires review through the Program Innovation Review Committee and approval by the Board of Trustees. Course requests must be submitted by the Dean of a School or College. All requests will be considered; however, priority is for full online programs and depends on scope and institutional capacity.
LDQA is organized into four connected phases that guide online programming from planning through implementation and continuous improvement. Each phase aligns with specific academic leadership and instructional roles. Participants who complete the requirements of each phase receive a digital credential recognizing their engagement in Howard University’s structured online quality process.
Phase 1: Online Program Planning
Online program planning is a collaborative process between designated Online Program leaders and the Office of Digital and Online Learning leadership. It begins with program readiness and completion of key planning tools, including the Online Program Intake Form and Curriculum Map, to define program scope and learning outcomes before courses enter development.
Phase 2: Learning Design & Quality Assurance
The LDQA process is a collaboration between Learning Experience Designers (LXD’s) and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) appointed by Howard University’s college and schools. The SMEs may have a faculty appointment within their respective college and school, however during this process their role is concentrated specifically on the transition and/or development of official online courses for their colleges or schools and not an individual faculty’s course. This process is also supported by team members in the Office of Digital and Online Learning and The Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning & Assessment (CETLA). Subject Matter Experts collaborate with Learning Experience Designers to design courses for the online modality by developing aligned learning outcomes, assessments, instructional materials, and accessible course structures consistent with institutional quality standards. In addition, Subject Matter Experts work with the Multimedia Producer to plan and record lecture presentations and other multimedia assets that enhance engagement and support diverse learning preferences.
Phase 3: Managing Your Online Course
Instructors of Record prepare to facilitate courses in the online modality, focusing on instructional presence, Canvas and integrated technologies, digital accessibility practices, and compliance with Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) requirements.
Phase 4: Continuous Improvement in Online Learning
Program leaders, in collaboration with the Director of Learning Design and Quality Assurance, review course and program performance data to inform course quality updates, instructional support strategies, and sustained alignment with accreditation and institutional quality standards.
To learn more about how the four phases work together to support official online programming at Howard University, please view the LDQA overview video below.
Dr. Jocelyn Hughes-Moulden
I thoroughly enjoyed creating two courses in partnership with the Office of Digital and Online Learning. The staff was exceptionally supportive, offering consistent guidance and constructive feedback throughout the process. The Learning Design and Quality Assurance training for course designers was especially insightful, equipping us to consider every facet of the online learning experience. These skills not only strengthen the quality of online instruction but are also highly transferable to traditional learning experiences.
9 Online Programs Supported 119 Courses Developed and Completed 57 Faculty Completed Phase 2: Learning Design & Quality Assurance
For additional information regarding the LDQA process, please contact the Office of Digital and Online Learning at DOL@howard.edu.