What's included in Domain 3?

Domain 3 focuses on creating an organized, intuitive, and student-centered online learning environment. Through intentional course navigation, intentionally chunked content, and consistent grade book and due date management, instructors can enhance the learner experience. A well-structured course helps students navigate content with ease, scaffolds learning, and reduces the cognitive load associated with locating information, understanding expectations, and tracking progress. By minimizing navigational barriers, students can devote their attention to learning and achieving course outcomes.

Essential Standards

  • Standard 3.1: A logical, consistent, and uncluttered layout is established. The course is easy to navigate (consistent color scheme and icon layout, related content organized in modules, self-evident titles).
  • Standard 3.2: Large blocks of text are chunked into manageable sections. Text is formatted with titles, headings, and other styles to enhance readability and improve the structure of the document.
  • Standard 3.3: Due Dates are used in LMS to communicate the timeline for work completion. Content is released and available to students in a timely manner.
  • Standard 3.4: Learners have access to a clear and up-to-date gradebook

Important Standards

None.