Discover how OLC’s expert-guided course review process helps institutions and instructors evaluate, improve, and showcase the quality of their online and blended courses.
The Course Review Process is built around a structured, research-informed approach to improving course design and instructional delivery.
Each review uses 35 indicators from the two sections of the OLC Course Review Scorecard that focus on design:
Courses that meet or exceed benchmark scores are eligible to earn the OLC Exemplary Course Endorsement, valid for three years.
All course reviews follow these key stages:
OLC staff connect with you or your institution to understand your goals, explain the process, and, and align timelines.
You complete a self-review of the course using the OLC Course Review Scorecard, assigning scores, gathering key artifacts, and writing short narrative justifications.
A trained OLC reviewer conducts a full review of the submitted course, assessing all scorecard indicators and providing strengths-based commentary and suggestions for improvement.
You will receive a full report summarizing:
Before final scoring is confirmed, you have the opportunity to revise your course and resubmit artifacts to improve areas of weakness.
After any revisions are reviewed, a final score is calculated. If endorsement criteria are met, the course receives the OLC Exemplary Course designation and digital badge valid for three years.
Each course is reviewed using two sections of the OLC Course Review Scorecard, which includes 35 objectives across two categories:
Scores are aggregated to determine whether the course meets the threshold for endorsement.
A comprehensive Course Review Scorecard Handbook is also available as a member benefit to support those completing a review.
Courses that achieve high enough scores across all indicators may be awarded the OLC Exemplary Course designation.
This recognition signals excellence in course design and delivery, demonstrates alignment with quality standards for accreditation, and showcases the instructor or team’s achievement with an official endorsement badge.