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You are here: Home / EHE Standards of Online Instruction

EHE Standards of Online Instruction

The Framework

Developed and researched by the Center for Digital Learning and Innovation (CDLI), the EHE Standards of Online Instruction provide a framework of best practices designed to guide the creation of high-quality and engaging online learning experiences. It focuses on key elements proven to enhance student success and satisfaction in online environments by addressing learner-centered design, active instructor presence, the development of a community of learners, and effective assessment strategies, these standards help educators create online courses that are not only informative but also supportive, interactive, and ultimately more impactful for students.

The 4 standards of online instruction appear in the form of interwoven, color-differentiated circles. The name of the standard and a unique icon appear within each circle. Each standard is split into 2 levels, each with a list of individual best practices.

The Four Standards

Explore each of the standards to discover key elements for creating effective and engaging online learning experiences. Click on the icons below to delve deeper into each standard and learn more about the best practices for Learner-Centered Design, Active Instructor Presence, Community of Learners, and Effective Assessment.

An icon of a student with headphones in front of a computer a design page showing different modalities represents learner-centered design.

Learner-Centered Design

Online courses are designed to be engaging, well-organized, easy to navigate, and support student learning through consistent structure, scaffolding, active learning, and choice.

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Active Instructor Presence

Instructor is actively involved in the course by communicating regularly, giving feedback, and guiding students.

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Community of Learners

Develop a sense of community and social presence among students through human connection, collaborative learning, feedback, shared knowledge construction, and playful exploration.

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A circle with a graduation cap above an open book is surrounds by a magnifying glass, x, checkmark, and puzzle piece connected by dotted lines to represent effective assessment.

Effective Assessment

Evaluate learning and support student success through authentic assessments, varied question types, clear guidelines, problem-based learning, self-assessment, and personalized supports.

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Course Design Series

  • 1. What is Course Design?
  • 2. Backward Design
  • 3. Learning Objectives
  • 4. Alignment Mapping
  • 5. Getting Started in Canvas
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  • 6. Develop Community through Presence
    • Creating Presence Online: Community of Inquiry
      • Teaching Presence
  • 7. Multimedia for Learning in Course Design
  • 8. Review Course and Delivery

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