UToledo Online

Request for Proposal (RFP) and Application for Online Course and Program Development

UToledo Online is requesting proposals for the new development or significant redesign of fully online courses. The purpose of this RFP is to develop high quality, student-centered courses and programs that reflect best practices and promote excellence in teaching and learning. Faculty who participate will be provided with support and guidance from UToledo Online instructional designers, educational technologists, and more throughout the development process.

Please review the RFP document below and schedule a brief meeting with Barbara Kopp Miller, prior to completing the application. See the FAQ below for answers to frequently asked questions about the RFP and working with an instructional designer. For additional questions regarding the application or process, please contact Justin Ballard, Director of UToledo Online.

(Please Note: To be considered for course development funding, online courses must have the appropriate curricular approvals.)

Download RFP & Application

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible to submit a proposal for the online course development stipend?
   UToledo faculty members interested in developing or significantly redesigning fully online courses are eligible to submit proposals. 
   
   
2. What should I do before submitting a proposal?
   Before submitting a proposal, review the RFP document thoroughly. Then, email barbara.koppmiller@utoledo.edu to schedule a brief meeting to discuss your proposed course offering. 
   
   
3. Who will work with me on this course development? 
   UToledo Online will assign an instructional designer to work with you on your course design and may bring other members, such as a multimedia designer, educational technologist, librarian, or an outcomes assessment coordinator as needed. 
   
   
4. What guidelines must the course adhere to during development?
   The course must conform to best practices in teaching and learning, incorporate Quality Matters (QM) standards, and meet accessibility requirements set by the Americans with Disabilities and Rehabilitation Act. 
   
   
5. What should my proposal include?
   Your proposal should include: 

• • Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and assessment methods 
  • Teaching methods for engagement and learning 
  • Rigorous assessment measures leading to course improvement 
  • Alignment of course and program-level outcomes 
  • Alignment of course components with learning outcomes 
  • Integration of educational technology for engagement and retention

    To view an example of a completed proposal, see our Sample RFP.

6. What types of courses will receive priority in the proposal selection process?
   Priority will be given to courses that are recognized as general education at UToledo and accepted into the Ohio Transfer Module (OTMs), courses converting from face-to-face to online, courses fulfilling program requirements, and courses designed for 100% online degrees. 
   
   
7. How is the stipend distributed during course development?
   The stipend is divided into three payments: 

• • 30% payment: Paid after initial meeting with instructional designer and course development planning. 
  • 50% payment: Paid after the course is fully developed and meets QM standards. 
  • 20% payment: Paid after the course is taught for the first time OR receives official Quality Matters certification. 

8. Who owns my course?
   Courses developed by a faculty member receiving a stipend are considered a "work for hire." As such, ownership of the course and all related intellectual property rights and all copyright responsibilities belong to The University of Toledo. For more details, please check out the Distance Learning articles for Faculty Bargaining Units on this page of Collective Bargaining Agreements.
   
   
9. What is the Learning Management System required for course developments under this agreement?
   As of 1/1/2023, all courses developed under this agreement will be created and taught using the Blackboard Ultra Course View platform. 
   
   
10. Is there a deadline for completing the requirements of the agreement?
    Yes, the requirements outlined in the agreement must be completed within two years of the UToledo Online application approval date. Incomplete contracts will expire in two years. For more information or specific inquiries, contact barbara.koppmiller@utoledo.edu.  
    
    
11. What is the role of the faculty member in the course development process?
    The faculty member is the subject matter expert and will collaborate with the development team to ensure the course meets standards and aligns with educational goals. 
    
    
12. What is the role of instructional designer and how do instructional designers and instructors work together in developing a UToledo Online funded online course?
    Instructional designers bring expertise in pedagogy, course structure, and online learning best practices to help you create an engaging and effective learning experience. We recommend working closely with your instructional designer throughout your course development. We will start by holding an initial consultation to learn more about the course and go over the process. Your instructional designer will work with you to identify design milestones and a schedule for completion. They will provide feedback and recommendations throughout your course design process to ensure that your design follows Quality Matters Standards and other course design best practices. 
    
    
13. How can an instructional designer help me to enhance my course's effectiveness?
    Instructional designers can help instructors to:  

• • Plan a course development timeline 
  • Write measurable learning objectives or competencies 
  • Apply best practices for designing a course structure 
  • Apply assessment strategies 
  • Create authentic and engaging learning activities 
  • Select appropriate technologies that can enhance student learning 
  • Address copyright and accessibility issues 
  • Build instructor presence and an online learning community 
  • Implement strategies for promoting academic integrity 
  • Implement strategies for managing the online workload 
  • Apply Quality Matters standards to course design 

14. What steps are involved in the course design process?
    The instructional designer will schedule an initial consultation with the instructor to start the collaboration process that typically involves: 

• • Needs Assessment: Defining learning goals, target audience, and desired outcomes. 
  • Course Design: Outlining course structure, content flow, learning activities and assessment methods. 
  • Content Development: Creating videos, graphics, written materials, interactive elements, and assessments, bringing in the multimedia designer as needed. 
  • Review and Feedback: Iteratively reviewing and refining the course content based on instructor and designer input. 
  • Quality Assurance: Ensuring the course meets Quality Matters standards. 
  • Launch and Support: Releasing the course and ensure best practices of course delivery and ongoing assistance to learners. 

15. How can I ensure the course remains engaging and interactive?
    Instructional designers can help you develop interactive activities that promote active learning and foster engagement, such as discussions, quizzes, group projects, peer critiques, role-playing, and multimedia elements. They can also recommend using the interactive tools available in Blackboard Ultra for course design that enhances student learning.
    
    
16. What if I want to use specific technology or tools in my course?
    Inform your instructional designer about the tools you want to use. They can provide guidance on integrating these tools effectively into the course design and connect you with UToledo Online’s educational technologists for technical training as needed.  
    
    
17. How long will it take to design my course?
    The timeline varies based on course complexity, instructor availability, and design elements. We recommend a timeline of one to two semesters before the course launches. Your instructional designer will work out a timeline with you based on your needs and schedule. 
    
    
18. How can I receive feedback during the development process?
    Regular communication is essential. Set up regular check-ins with your instructional designer to receive detailed feedback on content drafts, designs, and other course elements. Upon completion of the course design and development, your instructional designer will conduct an informal Quality Matters review for additional recommendations to ensure that the course design meets QM standards.  
    
    
19. What impact does instructional design have on student outcomes?
    Effective instructional design can significantly enhance student engagement, understanding, and retention. By employing research-based strategies, instructional designers can help you to create a more structured and engaging learning experience. 
    
    
20. Are there any other resources at UToledo Online that I can benefit from during the course design process?
    Yes, there are many. Check out the UToledo Online Faculty and Staff page for course design, technology training, Quality Matters, multimedia, and accessibility support resources.