The Blackboard Greenhouse Exemplary Course Program provides an opportunity for instructors and instructional designers to submit their online Blackboard (or WebCT) course(s) that they deem especially well-construction and engaging for students. I believe this is the second year this type of program has been in existence having combined similar programs from blackboard and WebCT when the two companies merged. The deadline for submission has already passed but more importantly, and maybe more interesting for us is that an evaluation rubric has been developed that they will be using to judge these courses.

To download a copy go to Submit Project and Rubric Form. Looking at the rubric you will see similar categories and assessment points that CDE has included on the course checklist that is used to evaluate Independent Learning courses. Much like the CDE evaluation, the Blackboard Rubric is divided into Sections: Information about You and Your Course, Course Design, Interaction & Collaboration, Assessment, and Learner Support. Each of these sections provides an evaluation point that is based on good, sound pedagogy. How well do you think your course is designed? Why not run it through this rubric and find out.